Pichi (false heath) Fabiana imbricata
Pichi (false heath) (Fabiana imbricata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Solanaceae family, native to Dry slopes of the Andes in Chile and Argentina. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Pichi (false heath) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pichi (false heath) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Dry slopes of the Andes in Chile and Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Pichi (false heath) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves
Used as a diuretic herb in Chilean folk medicine; like many nightshade relatives it should not be eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pichi (false heath)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Pichi (false heath)
- How far apart should I plant Pichi (false heath)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Pichi (false heath) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pichi (false heath) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pichi (false heath)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Pichi (false heath) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Pichi (false heath) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Used as a diuretic herb in Chilean folk medicine; like many nightshade relatives it should not be eaten.
- What grows well with Pichi (false heath)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pichi (false heath). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Flora Argentina, IBODA-CONICET
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Looks like a tree heath but is in the potato family: plume-like branches of tiny overlapping leaves smothered in early summer with small white or mauve tubular flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica