About
Danae racemosa, the Alexandrian laurel, is an elegant, clump-forming, evergreen shrub to around 1.2 m tall with arching, whip-like stems bearing glossy-green, lance-shaped, leaf-like flattened stems (phylloclades) and tiny, greenish flowers at the stem tips in early summer, followed by decorative, glossy-red berries. An ornamental shrub for a shaded or partly shaded, moist position.
About the genus
Danae is a monotypic genus of shade-loving, evergreen shrubs in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), producing arching stems with rich-green, leaf-like flattened stems (phylloclades) and tiny greenish flowers followed by glossy-red berries. Grown as ornamental shrubs in shaded, moist garden positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toSW Asia to Iran
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade, sheltered from cold winds
PruningPruning group 10. Cut old shoots back to ground level in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Divide from autumn to early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free