Polyspora longicarpa

RHS Plant Profile
long-fruited polyspora

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long-fruited polyspora RHS

Synonyms

Gordonia longicarpa

Shrubs Trees
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An upright, evergreen shrub or small tree, with very glossy deep green leaves and large, scented, single or semi-double, white flowers with a large boss of golden stamens, produced in late summer and autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Theaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Polyspora are evergreen trees or shrubs that can grow up to 9m tall. They have smooth, peeling bark and fruit similar to the acorn. Leaves are glossy and green and flowers large, with five white petals and yellow anthers.
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Far East

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid or neutral soil in full sun or light shade, with shelter from cold wind

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors as soon as ripe, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free