About
Flowers are pale greenish yellow with many, slightly twisting narrow petals, borne clustered in the leaf axils in spring. A shrub, even a small tree, usually to 2m, but possibly to 6m in very mild areas. The narrowly oval leaves, to 5cm long and 2cm wide, are dark green. Young branches are green, spotted brown, and aromatic like the leaves.
About the genus
licium are evergreen shrubs or small trees with entire, leathery leaves. Both leaves and bark may be aromatic. The many-petalled flowers are borne in the leaf axils, usually singly, followed by star-shaped fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toJapan, Korea
FragranceBark, Flower, Foliage
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, but well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass grow in ericaceous potting compost in bright light, but shaded from the hottest sun. In the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced fertiliser on a monthly basis
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Can also be propagated by layering in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free