Overview
Fontanesia is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Fontanesia, part of the Oleaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Fontanesia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, houseplants, patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Fontanesia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae, usually treated as comprising a single species Fontanesia phillyreoides, though some authors split this into two species. It is native to southern Europe (Sicily), southwestern Asia and eastern Asia (China), with two well-separated populations.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fontanesia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Fontanesia size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fontanesia
- Propagation
- Division, Stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fontanesia?
Fontanesia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Fontanesia need?
Fontanesia grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Fontanesia hardy in the UK?
Fontanesia has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Fontanesia?
Division, Stem cuttings.
