About
Cephalotaxus oliveri is a coniferous shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 4 meters. It features rigid branches that extend outward and has soft, muted dark green, needle-like foliage that can grow to 3 centimeters in length. The leaves are arranged in two flat, horizontal rows along the branchlets, giving them a comb-like appearance. The plant produces egg-shaped green seed cones, which measure up to 3 centimeters long and appear individually from summer through autumn.
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 sun, Partial shade, Full 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
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conifers, Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Native to
- W China
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 by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free