Paliurus hemsleyanus
A half-hardy evergreen shrub or tree, reaching up to 15m high in its native range though often smaller in cultivation. Leaves are broadly ovate, glossy and papery in texture, with toothed edges and pairs of sharp spines at the base. Young shoots are coated with fine brown hairs. Clusters of small yellow flowers are produced in the leaf axils from late spring to early summer, followed by disc-shaped green seed pods
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. May benefit from the shelter of a warm wall
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by softwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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