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Helwingia japonica

Japanese helwingia

A small shrub to about 1.5m which produces small green flowers in late spring directly from the centre of the leaf midribs. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants and, if fertilised, the females produce pea-sized, black berries which contrast well with the yellow autumn foliage

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Bronze Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Black
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Helwingiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Helwingia are medium-sized, evergreen or deciduous shrubs with shiny leaves in opposite pairs. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, male and female usually on different plants, and emerge in small clusters directly from the leaf midribs, followed by red or black berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China, Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, humus-rich soil in light shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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