Overview
Lycium is a bushy shrubs in the genus Lycium, part of the Solanaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lycium grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include edible fruit, hedging and screens, coastal and cottage and informal garden.
About
Lycium, commonly known as the tea plant or by other names such as asses' box and matrimony vine, is a genus of shrubs in the Solanaceae family. These bushy, deciduous shrubs often have a scrambling habit and produce small, funnel-shaped flowers that develop into red berries. They thrive best in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect, favouring fertile, well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, Lycium is suitable for edible fruit production, hedging, and informal garden settings, particularly in coastal or cottage gardens. Propagation can be achieved through seed, cuttings, layering, or suckers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lycium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lycium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Edible fruit, Hedging and screens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lycium
- Propagation
- Seed, Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Layering, Suckers
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lycium?
Lycium prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lycium need?
Lycium grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Lycium hardy in the UK?
Lycium 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 Lycium?
Seed, Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Layering, Suckers.
