Trochocarpa clarkei

RHS Plant Profile
lilac berry

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A rare, evergreen flowering shrub endemic to sub-alpine parts of Australia growing to around 30cm in height with elliptic, glossy dark green foliage on woody stems. Dense spikes of maroon-red flowers, greenish towards the base, are produced in summer and followed by round, blue-purple berries favoured as a food source by birds and small mammals. Prefers a woodland setting

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered location. Prefers dappled shade such as a woodland area

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as it is ripe in early spring and grow seedlings in a greenhouse for their first winter or propgate by cuttings in summer. Avoid disturbing the roots as these are very fine and delicate

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free