Overview
Lyonothamnus floribundus is a bushy trees in the genus Lyonothamnus, part of the Rosaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Lyonothamnus floribundus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants, architectural, city and courtyard gardens, low maintenance and wall side borders.
About
Lyonothamnus floribundus, commonly known as Catalina ironwood, is an evergreen tree cultivar within the Lyonothamnus genus, noted for its bushy habit and robust, shiny foliage. This tree produces dense clusters of small, five-petalled flowers in spring and summer, adding seasonal interest. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soils such as clay, loam, or sand, and prefers full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for Mediterranean-style gardens, city courtyards, and wall-side borders, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and requires low maintenance.
About the genus
Lyonothamnus is a monotypic genus of trees in the rose family containing the single living species Lyonothamnus floribundus, which is known by the common name Channel Island ironwood, and the subspecies L. f. ssp. aspleniifolius and L. f. ssp. floribundus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lyonothamnus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lyonothamnus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lyonothamnus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Lyonothamnus floribundus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Mediterranean climate plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lyonothamnus floribundus
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn, greenwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lyonothamnus floribundus?
Lyonothamnus floribundus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lyonothamnus floribundus need?
Lyonothamnus floribundus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Lyonothamnus floribundus hardy in the UK?
Lyonothamnus floribundus 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 Lyonothamnus floribundus?
Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn, greenwood cuttings in summer.