Helwingia himalaica

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan helwingia

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An evergreen or semi-evergreen, suckering shrub to 2m tall, with upright stems and lance-shaped leaves, purple-flushed when young. In late spring, small white flowers are produced in clusters from the centre of the leaf blades; these are followed by green, ripening black, fruits

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–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
Helwingiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Habit
Suckering
Genus
Helwingia are medium-sized, evergreen or deciduous shrubs with shiny leaves in opposite pairs. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, male and female usually on different plants, and emerge in small clusters directly from the leaf midribs, followed by red or black berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Far East

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil in full or dappled shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn. Separate root suckers in late winter. Take sem-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free