Overview
Garrya congdonii is a bushy shrubs in the genus Garrya, part of the Garryaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Garrya congdonii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, hedging and screens and wall side borders.
About
Garrya congdonii, the chaparral silktassel or Congdon silktassel, a fairly common evergreen shrub native to the northern California Coast Ranges, is one of a small biological family of approximately twenty known species in the family Garryaceae, most of which are Garrya. While the female and male sexual organs of Congdon silktassel are on separate plants, the pendant male catkins are much more showy. This plant is reasonably attractive and neat enough in its growing habit to be appealing as a landscape species. It is stocked commonly at commercial plant nurseries. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, hedging and screens and wall side borders. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Garrya congdonii
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Garrya
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Garrya congdonii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Garrya congdonii
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spot and honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Garrya congdonii?
Garrya congdonii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Garrya congdonii need?
Garrya congdonii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Garrya congdonii hardy in the UK?
Garrya congdonii has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Garrya congdonii?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
