Helwingia chinensis
Chinese helwingia
An evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with upright to spreading branches, purplish-green when young. The leaves are leathery and long-pointed. In early summer, small, white flowers are produced from the centre of the leaf blades; these are followed by black, oblong fruits to 7mm long
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Helwingiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Helwingia are medium-sized, evergreen or deciduous shrubs with shiny leaves in opposite pairs. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, male and female usually on different plants, and emerge in small clusters directly from the leaf midribs, followed by red or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China to Thailand
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil in dappled shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn. Separate root suckers in late winter. Take sem-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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