Overview
Lyonia ligustrina is a plant with a bushy, upright, spreading habit in the genus Lyonia, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen, leathery, glossy foliage. Lyonia ligustrina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include shrub borders, woodland gardens and moist areas.
About
Lyonia ligustrina, commonly known as big boy, is a bushy, upright, and spreading evergreen shrub within the Ericaceae family. It features leathery, glossy foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring south, east, or west-facing sheltered aspects. This cultivar grows well in loam or sandy soils that are damp or moist, with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suited to shrub borders, woodland gardens, and moist areas. Planting in well-drained soil and watering during establishment is recommended. It flowers in spring and summer and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lyonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Damp, Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Lyonia ligustrina size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy, Upright, Spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Leathery, Glossy
- Suggested uses
- Shrub borders, Woodland gardens, Moist areas
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lyonia ligustrina
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lyonia ligustrina?
Lyonia ligustrina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lyonia ligustrina need?
Lyonia ligustrina grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays damp to moist.
Is Lyonia ligustrina hardy in the UK?
Lyonia ligustrina 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 Lyonia ligustrina?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
