Persea thunbergii
A tropical evergreen shrub or small tree, to around 5m high in cultivation, with tiered branches bearing lance-shaped to elliptic, shiny bright green leaves that are tapered at the base and paler underneath. Leaves are flushed bright reddish bronze when young. Long clusters of small, fragrant, yellow-green flowers are produced at the base of young shoots in spring, followed by clusters of round, purple-black berries
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green Red Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red Bronze | |||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Persea are evergreen shrubs or small trees with simple leaves and small greenish flowers, followed by pear-shaped, dark green fruits with edible flesh
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable for warmer areas. Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade, with shelter from cold winds and late frosts
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.