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ShrubsSynonym

Illicium yunnanense

Simons anise tree

A rare and unusual medium-sized, slow-growing evergreen shrub with narrow, leathery glossy dark green leaves and delicate pale yellow flowers with darker yellow centres which appear from mid to late summer. Although specimens are generally reasonably hardy, it can be a temperamental plant to grow, and requires a warm position which is sheltered from cold temperatures and cold winter winds

Synonyms

Illicium yunnanense

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

10–20 years

Ultimate spread

1.5–2.5 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Schisandraceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: licium are evergreen shrubs or small trees with entire, leathery leaves. Both leaves and bark may be aromatic. The many-petalled flowers are borne in the leaf axils, usually singly, followed by star-shaped fruits
Name status: Correct
Plant range: China, Myanmar

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, but well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass grow in ericaceous potting compost in bright light, but shaded from the hottest sun. In the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced fertiliser on a monthly basis

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Can also be propagated by layering in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Coastal
Patio and container plants
Flower borders and beds
Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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