Overview

Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica is a plant with a bushy, upright, spreading habit in the genus Lyonia, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen, leathery, glossy foliage. Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica 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 ovalifolia var. elliptica is a bushy, upright, and spreading cultivar of the Lyonia genus, which belongs to the Ericaceae family. This evergreen shrub features leathery, glossy foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspect. It prefers fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils that are damp or moist, with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for shrub borders, woodland gardens, and moist areas, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation is 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 ovalifolia var. elliptica 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 ovalifolia var. elliptica

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 ovalifolia var. elliptica?

Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica need?

Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays damp to moist.

Is Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica hardy in the UK?

Lyonia ovalifolia var. elliptica 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 ovalifolia var. elliptica?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.

More in the Lyonia genus

Browse all Lyonia