Nestegis lanceolata

RHS Plant Profile
white mare
Trees

A slow-growing evergreen tree, to 15m high in its native environment but usually smaller in cultivation, and often multi-stemmed. It has pale, corky bark and narrowly lance-shaped, leathery dark green leaves. Clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers are produced in the leaf axils or directly from the branches in late spring, followed by green berries that slowly ripen to orange or red

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
A genus of five species of evergreen trees or shrubs, three of which are native to New Zealand, one to Hawaii and the other to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. They have solid, strong bark and bright green foliage, sometimes narrow and olive-leaf like, and small white flowers followed by red fruit containing a single seed
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in deep, rich, well-drained soil. A handsome specimen tree for warmer regions

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus