Overview
Syzygium aromaticum is a shrub, small tree tree in the genus Syzygium, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 20.0 m tall. Syzygium aromaticum grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include specimen plant and hedge. It is native to Maluku.
About
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands, or Moluccas, in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice, flavoring, or fragrance in consumer products, such as toothpaste, soaps, or cosmetics.
About the genus
Syzygium is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. The genus comprises about 1200 species, and has a native range that extends from Africa and Madagascar through southern Asia east through the Pacific. Its highest levels of diversity occur from Malaysia to northeastern Australia, where many species are very poorly known and many more have not been described taxonomically.
Wikipedia contributors, "Syzygium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Syzygium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Syzygium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Syzygium aromaticum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Shrub, small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 20.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, hedge
- Native to
- Maluku
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Syzygium aromaticum
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Syzygium aromaticum?
Syzygium aromaticum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Syzygium aromaticum need?
Syzygium aromaticum grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Syzygium aromaticum grow?
Syzygium aromaticum reaches a height of 20.0 m.
Is Syzygium aromaticum hardy in the UK?
Syzygium aromaticum has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Syzygium aromaticum?
Semi-ripe cuttings.
