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Maytenus boaria

maiten

An evergreen tree potentially to 20m, but in Britain usually a small tree or large shrub, 3-10m, tall with an oval crown and slender, drooping branches. Leaves are narrowly lance-shaped, 5cm long, shining mid-green above and paler beneath. Flowers greenish-white, small and inconspicuous, numerous, borne in leaf axils in spring and fragrant. May be followed by small, red, 2-seeded fleshy fruits

Other common names
mayten

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White Green
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Celastraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Maytenus is a genus of around 200 trees and shrubs, originating from the Americas, but with only a couple of species that are hardy in most of the British Isles. They produce tiny, star-shaped to tubular flowers, singly or in clusters, which may be followed by colourful fruit

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Chile

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with midday shade. A sheltered position is ideal

Propagation

Propagate by seed under glass in autumn. Remove suckers in spring. Can also be propagted by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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