Helwingia himalaica
An evergreen or semi-evergreen, suckering shrub to 2m tall, with upright stems and lance-shaped leaves, purple-flushed when young. In late spring, small white flowers are produced in clusters from the centre of the leaf blades; these are followed by green, ripening black, fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | |||
| Autumn | Green | Green Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Helwingiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering
- 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
- Far East
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil in full or 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
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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