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ConifersShrubsTrees

Cephalotaxus oliveri

A coniferous shrub or small tree to 4m tall with stiffly-spreading branches and soft, dull, dark green, needle-like leaves up to 3cm long tightly-packed in two flat, horizontal ranks on branchlets and said to resemble a comb. Egg-shaped green seed cones are up to 3cm long and borne singly from summer into autumn

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
  • Full shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Taxaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cephalotaxus are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with 2-ranked, linear leaves resembling yew foliage, and somewhat plum-like, fleshy green fruits; male and female flowers are usually on separate plants

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moist, well drained soil in part shade but will tolerate a wide range of soils and full sun in cool, moist climates. Shelter from cold, dry winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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