Garrya elliptica

RHS Plant Profile
silk tassel bush

Other common names

feverbush

Climber Wall Shrub Shrubs

A shrub or small tree of rapid growth and bushy habit, to 3.5m or even to 4.5m in mild areas. Leaves oval to roundish, dark shining green above, felted grey beneath. The long, grey-green male catkins flower in January and February. The female plant is less commonly seen, but produces long clusters of purple-brown fruits in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Garryaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Garrya are vigorous evergreen dioecious shrubs with simple leathery leaves and small greenish flowers in pendent catkin-like racemes in late winter and early spring
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
USA (California, Oregon)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a leaf spot and honey fungus (rarely)