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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names Duke of Argyll's tea tree Chinese box thorn
Barbary box thorn Barbary wolfberry common matrimony vine vicar's tea party Tibetan goji berry
Synonyms Lycium halimifolium Lycium europaeum
Family Solanaceae
Genus Lycium can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes scrambling, with simple entire leaves and small funnel-shaped flowers followed by red berries
Details L. barbarum is a scrambling deciduous shrub to 3m tall, with sparsely spiny stems bearing narrow, dull green leaves and small dingy purple flowers in late spring and summer, followed by orange-red berries
Plant range Europe to China
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H5
Full Sun
Aspect West-facing or South-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pH
Ultimate height 2.5-4 metres
Ultimate spread 1-1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 5-10 years
Cultivation Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Can be grown as a hedge
Propagation Propagate by seed in containers outdoors in autumn. Take hardwood cuttings in winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types Hedging & Screens Banks and Slopes Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden Coastal
Pruning Pruning group 1 or pruning group 11 in winter or early summer. Cut back hedges hard in spring or trim in early summer
Pests Generally trouble free
Diseases Can suffer from powdery mildew
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
Duke of Argyll's tea tree
Buy from £12.99 at the RHS Plants Shop
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