About
Cephalotaxus fortunei is an evergreen plant that can grow as a large shrub or a small tree. Its branches are broad and slightly pendulous, and the bark is reddish-brown, often developing a shredded texture as it matures. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and can reach lengths of up to 9 cm, arranged spirally on vertical stems. Female specimens produce fruits measuring 2-3 cm, which transition from olive green to brown as they ripen.
About the genus
Cephalotaxus consists of evergreen shrubs or small trees characterized by their linear leaves, which are arranged in two ranks and bear a resemblance to yew. The plants produce fleshy green fruits that are somewhat similar to plums. Typically, male and female flowers grow on different individual plants.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conifers, Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Native to
- China to Myanmar
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows best in a moist, well drained soil in part shade but will tolerate a wide range of soils and full sun in cool, moist climates. Shelter from cold, dry winds
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings of terminal shoots
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free