Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. aspleniifolius

RHS Plant Profile

Catalina ironwood

Synonyms

Lyonothamnus floribundus var. asplenifolius
Lyonothamnus aspeniifolius

Trees

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A conical, evergreen tree to 12m with peeling, red-brown bark and fern-like, deep green leaves. Large, flattish sprays of small, white, five-petalled flowers are produced In spring and summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 20–50 years
Max Spread: 4-8 metres
Max Height: 8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or East–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): H4

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Lyonothamnus are evergreen trees with attractive bark, thick, glossy leaves and large clusters of small, five-petaled flowers
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: USA (California)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn, or take greenwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Mediterranean climate plants
Architectural
City and courtyard gardens
Low Maintenance
Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free