Overview
Maytenus is a bushy shrubs in the genus Maytenus, part of the Celastraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Maytenus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural, coastal, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance and wall side borders.
About
Maytenus is a bushy, evergreen cultivar within a genus of approximately 200 species of trees and shrubs native to the Americas. It thrives best in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, favouring fertile, moist but well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to H5, it is suitable for architectural and coastal planting, as well as Mediterranean-style gardens and low-maintenance wall side borders. Small star-shaped or tubular flowers appear in spring and summer, often followed by vibrant fruits.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Maytenus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Maytenus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Maytenus
- Propagation
- Seed under glass in autumn,semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Maytenus?
Maytenus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Maytenus need?
Maytenus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Maytenus hardy in the UK?
Maytenus 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 Maytenus?
Seed under glass in autumn,semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
