About
A large, bushy evergreen shrub, with small, leathery, ovate leaves greyish-green with creamy-white margins. Inconspicuous yellow flowers followed by small berries, red turning black.
About the genus
Rhamnus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, often thorny, with simple leaves that may colour well in autumn, and tiny yellowish flowers followed by fruit that is typically black
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationAn easy to grow, vigorous, evergreen shrub. Not reliably hardy and needs some shelter in the colder more exposed areas but is valuable for coastal planting
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)