Overview
Ochrosia elliptica is a plant with a tree habit in the genus Ochrosia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ochrosia elliptica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include specimen plant and tropical-style gardens.
About
Ochrosia elliptica, commonly known as pokosola, is an evergreen tree belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for tropical-style gardens, this cultivar is best used as a specimen plant. It is hardy to H1b in the UK and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings. Its main seasons of interest are spring and summer.
About the genus
Ochrosia is a genus of flowering plants, first described in 1789. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae, and is native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and various islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Greek word Ochrosia is a pale yellow and refer to the wood not the flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ochrosia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ochrosia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ochrosia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Ochrosia elliptica size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, Tropical-style gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ochrosia elliptica
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ochrosia elliptica?
Ochrosia elliptica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ochrosia elliptica need?
Ochrosia elliptica grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ochrosia elliptica hardy in the UK?
Ochrosia elliptica has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Ochrosia elliptica?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.