About
An evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with upright to spreading branches, purplish-green when young. In early summer, small, white flowers are produced from the centre of the leaf blades; these are followed by black, oblong fruits to 7mm long. The leaves are leathery and long-pointed.
About the genus
Helwingia are medium-sized, evergreen or deciduous shrubs with shiny leaves in opposite pairs. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, male and female usually on different plants, and emerge in small clusters directly from the leaf midribs, followed by red or black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toChina to Thailand
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil in dappled shade
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn. Separate root suckers in late winter. Take sem-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free