Overview

Guettarda speciosa is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Guettarda, part of the Rubiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Guettarda speciosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen plant and coastal gardens. It is native to Great Chagos Bank, North Brother, Middle Brother, South Brother, Eagle (Île Aigle), Sea Cow Island (Île Vache Marine), Chagos Archipelago, Peros Banhos Atoll, Île Yeye and Île Verte.

About

Guettarda speciosa is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Rubiaceae, noted for large, prominently veined leaves and summer-flowering heads. It prefers full sun on a well-drained neutral loam in a sheltered, south-facing position. Flowering occurs July to September. Hardiness is H4, so it performs best in milder, protected UK sites.

About the genus

Guettarda is a plant genus in the family Rubiaceae. Most of these plants are known by the common name velvetseed.

Wikipedia contributors, "Guettarda", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Guettarda

In the garden

Guettarda speciosa originates from island habitats in the Chagos Archipelago and Peros Banhos Atoll, where it grows above the high-tide line. In the UK it is treated as an evergreen coastal shrub or small tree, valued where a sheltered, sunlit position is available. Plant in a south-facing spot out of prevailing winds to match its natural exposure. Give it a free-draining loam with a neutral pH and avoid waterlogging; the species requires well-drained soil and full sun to open its summer flowers reliably. H4 hardiness means it has average winter tolerance — it will survive most winters in milder parts of Britain when sited against a warm wall or within a sheltered garden. Young specimens benefit from protection in unusually cold spells until established. Use Guettarda speciosa as a specimen near patios or terraces where its summer display can be seen at close range, or in coastal borders where salt tolerance and form are assets. It is particularly appropriate for coastal gardens and single-plant accents where shelter and sun are available. Position plants so their summer blooms (July to September) and evergreen leaves are visible from seating areas.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Guettarda

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Guettarda speciosa size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Shrub, small tree

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Specimen plant, coastal gardens

Native to

Great Chagos Bank, North Brother, Middle Brother, South Brother, Eagle (Île Aigle), Sea Cow Island (Île Vache Marine), Chagos Archipelago, Peros Banhos Atoll, Île Yeye, Île Verte

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Guettarda speciosa

Propagation

Seed, semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-resistant

Disease resistance

Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions