Ternstroemia gymnanthera

 

  Ternstroemia

  Family: Theaceae

  Origin: Japan

Hardiness: Freezes at 20 degrees; protected location in cold areas
Growth: Slow growth to 8 feet; plan for about 4 feet high
Form: Mounding form; somewhat wider than it is high
Leaves: Oval; 2-3 inches; red leaf stems; red tints in new leaves
Flowers: Fragrant, cream colored, 1/2 inch flowers in late spring
Fruit or Seeds: Orange fruit split open to show black seed
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Must be kept moist; water at least weekly in sunny areas
Soil: Well drained, acid soil; organic amendment helpful
Fertilizer: May Day, 4th of July and Labor Day with acid food and iron
Prune: Head back lightly to keep plant compact
Problems: Chlorosis (yellow leaves) corrected with acid food

This is a tidy plant that resembles Raphiolepis. Good plant in many landscape situations, especially in Japanese gardens and combined with other acid loving plants.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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