About

A half-hardy evergreen shrub or tree, reaching up to 15m high in its native range though often smaller in cultivation. Clusters of small yellow flowers are produced in the leaf axils from late spring to early summer, followed by disc-shaped green seed pods. Leaves are broadly ovate, glossy and papery in texture, with toothed edges and pairs of sharp spines at the base. Young shoots are coated with fine brown hairs.

About the genus

A genus of eight species of either evergreen or deciduous shrubs and small trees, native to warm and dry areas such as Eurasia, North Africa, Eastern Spain, Japan and Taiwan. The smooth or toothed foliage is glossy and dark green, with star-shaped yellow flowers along the stems in summer followed by round, winged fruits

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural

Care notes

CultivationIn frost-free areas, grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. May benefit from the shelter of a warm wall
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by softwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free