About
A deciduous shrub or small tree to about 4m from China with oval, finely toothed, dark green leaves and tiny, yellowish flowers in spring, followed by small, red to dark purple, fleshy berries. Grown primarily as a botanical curiosity and for hedging in its native range; it is the source of Chinese buckthorn used in Chinese medicine.
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
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, hedging, specimen planting.
Care notes
CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
PruningPrune after flowering or late winter.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.