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Shrubs

Zanthoxylum beechyanum

Chinese prickly ash

A compact, evergreen shrub to 1m tall, with a dense and bushy habit and leaves composed of numerous small, glossy, aromatic, dark green leaflets. Its diminutive proportions make it a popular choice for bonsai

Other common names

Chinese pepper tree

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

10–20 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–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)

Botanical details

Family: Rutaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: Zanthoxylum are broadly rounded to upright, spiny, deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs. They have aromatic bark and leaves. Sprays of small green or yellow-green flowers appear in spring or summer, followed by small fruits that split to reveal seeds attached by short threads
Name status: Correct
Plant range: Japan (Ryukyu islands, Bonin islands)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance

Pruning

See pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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