Overview
Fontanesia fortunei is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Fontanesia, part of the Oleaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Fontanesia fortunei 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 fortunei is an evergreen, clump-forming cultivar from the Oleaceae family. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered position with moist but well-drained loam or sandy soil of any pH. Suited to east, south, or west-facing aspects, it is hardy to UK zone H1b. This cultivar is valued for its architectural qualities and is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, informal settings, patios, conservatories, and as a houseplant. It is best planted in a well-drained site and requires watering during establishment. Propagation is by division or stem cuttings, with interest in spring and summer.
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 fortunei 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 fortunei
- 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 fortunei?
Fontanesia fortunei prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Fontanesia fortunei need?
Fontanesia fortunei 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 fortunei hardy in the UK?
Fontanesia fortunei 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 fortunei?
Division, Stem cuttings.
