Helwingia japonica
Japanese helwingia
A small shrub to about 1.5m which produces small green flowers in late spring directly from the centre of the leaf midribs. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants and, if fertilised, the females produce pea-sized, black berries which contrast well with the yellow autumn foliage
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Helwingiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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, Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, humus-rich soil in light shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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