Cephalotaxus oliveri

Conifers Shrubs Trees

A coniferous shrub or small tree to 4m tall with stiffly-spreading branches and soft, dull, dark green, needle-like leaves up to 3cm long tightly-packed in two flat, horizontal ranks on branchlets and said to resemble a comb. Egg-shaped green seed cones are up to 3cm long and borne singly from summer into autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade, Full shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Taxaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Cephalotaxus are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with 2-ranked, linear leaves resembling yew foliage, and somewhat plum-like, fleshy green fruits; male and female flowers are usually on separate plants
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
W China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moist, well drained soil in part shade but will tolerate a wide range of soils and full sun in cool, moist climates. Shelter from cold, dry winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free