Overview
Litsea japonica is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Litsea, part of the Lauraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Litsea japonica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen plant and evergreen foliage.
About
Litsea japonica is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Lauraceae family. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, this plant is valued for its evergreen foliage and is best used as a specimen plant. It is most notable in spring and summer and can be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings or seed.
About the genus
Litsea is a genus of evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs belonging to the laurel family, Lauraceae. The genus includes a large number of accepted species in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Australasia, the western Pacific, and North and Central America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Litsea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Litsea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Litsea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Litsea japonica size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, evergreen foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Litsea japonica
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Litsea japonica?
Litsea japonica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Litsea japonica need?
Litsea japonica grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Litsea japonica hardy in the UK?
Litsea japonica 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 Litsea japonica?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.
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