Garrya elliptica (also called silk-tassel bush)
Garrya
elliptica
Bushy evergreen shrub grown for catkins, which appear in winter and spring. Good for growing up walls and low maintenance, or in shrub borders in mild areas. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal exposure.
All year because of being evergreen, but has attractive catkins in winter and spring.
Dense, bushy habit.
Green, glossy, opposite, oval leaves with a wavy edge. H&S: 4m
Round, green stems becoming brown and woody with age.
Silky, silvery green catkins borne in winter and spring. Male plants have the longest catkins, being up to 25cm long.
Needs some protection from harsh winter winds, which may scorch leaf edges. It may lose its leaves in colder winters.
Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline.
Frost hardy, but avoid exposed northern sites, where the leaves may get scorched by frost or harsh winds.
Prune back dead or overlong branches in spring. Dislikes being transplanted so buy container grown plants.
Generally pest free but may be affected by leaf spot.
Take cuttings or layer shoots in summer.
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