About
A scrambling, deciduous shrub to 3m tall, with sparsely spiny stems bearing narrow, dull green leaves and small, dull purple flowers in late spring and summer. These are followed by edible, orange-red berries often known as goji berries. Image credit: Shutterstock.
About the genus
Lycium can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes scrambling, with simple entire leaves and small funnel-shaped flowers followed by red berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Fruit Edible
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal
Native toEurope to China
Care notes
CultivationPlant in free-draining soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and, ideally, train against a wall or fence for maximum fruiting. Tolerates light shade but fruits best in full sun. For more information see Goji berry cultivation for further advice
PruningIf grown for fruit, prune lightly in early spring removing some of the oldest wood and shortening overlong shoots back to a lower branch. Can be cut back hard to rejuvenate if necessary. Pruning group 1 for ornamental use. Cut hedges back hard in spring or trim in early summer
PropagationPropagate by seed indoors in spring. Take hardwood cuttings in winter or softwood cuttings in early summer. Layer plants in autumn or lift and replant suckers in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and fruit may require netting to prevent birds from consuming them
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews