Overview
Illicium henryi is a shrub, small tree shrubs in the genus Illicium, part of the Schisandraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Illicium henryi grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen, hedge and woodland garden.
About
Illicium henryi, also known by the common names Henry anise tree and Chinese anise tree is a species in the genus Illicium in the family Schisandraceae.
About the genus
Illicium is a genus of flowering plants treated as part of the family Schisandraceae, or alternately as the sole genus of the Illiciaceae. It has a disjunct distribution, with most species native to subtropical and tropical areas of East and Southeast Asia and several in parts of North America, including the southeastern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. General common names include star anise and anisetree.
Wikipedia contributors, "Illicium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Illicium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Illicium
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- North, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Illicium henryi size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Shrub, Small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Specimen, Hedge, Woodland garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Illicium henryi
- Propagation
- Layering, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to deer browsing
- Disease resistance
- Stem canker, Root rot, Crown rot, Bacterial spot, Anthracnose
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Illicium henryi?
Illicium henryi prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Illicium henryi need?
Illicium henryi grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Illicium henryi hardy in the UK?
Illicium henryi has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Illicium henryi?
Layering, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.