Persea thunbergii
A tropical evergreen shrub or small tree, to around 5m high in cultivation, with tiered branches bearing lance-shaped to elliptic, shiny bright green leaves that are tapered at the base and paler underneath. Leaves are flushed bright reddish bronze when young. Long clusters of small, fragrant, yellow-green flowers are produced at the base of young shoots in spring, followed by clusters of round, purple-black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green Red Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red Bronze | |||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Persea are evergreen shrubs or small trees with simple leaves and small greenish flowers, followed by pear-shaped, dark green fruits with edible flesh
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable for warmer areas. Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade, with shelter from cold winds and late frosts
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot
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