Cleyera ( Ternstroemia gymnanthera ) stands out among other evergreen plant shrubs with its colorful , glossy foliation . Sometimes sell under the name Cleyera japonica , it grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10 , where it serves several use . Cleyera supply year - round interest and take little fear , but you should understand its needs and trait before you plant one .
Step 1
Reaching 8 to 10 foot marvellous with a 6 - foot spread , cleyera makes an assertive addition to the yard . It is clad in dense spate of glossy , evergreen leave-taking , which change color from red to green during the grow season . Tiny bloodless flowers issue in bounce and are replaced by 1 - column inch - long ellipse berries . Cultivars , such as Bronze Beauty ( Cleyera japonica " Conthery " ) differ slightly in appearing , producing bronze - color new foliage that matures to self-colored green . Its dimensions are roughly the same as standard cleyera shrubs , but it is slightly more cold - tolerant and will grow in USDA zones 7 through 10 .
Step 2
Versatile Cleyera
Cleyera ’s dense , upright growing habit make it a good selection for hedging , but it also works well as a remain firm - alone specimen industrial plant due to its attractive vase shape and flamboyant foliation . Because it answer well to pruning , a cleyera shrub can also be pruned into a monetary standard or a multitrunked tree diagram to show its graceful structure . Cleyera shrubs used for a hedging or screen should be constitute 3 to 6 fundament apart on a staggered line of credit to maximize their foliage coverage while permit them plenty of room to disseminate their roots . Those pruned into a tree phase should be planted well away from driveways and streets because their low - growing canopies may hitch on or immobilise tall vehicle .
Cleyera Care
Hardy and adaptable , cleyera will develop better and live on longer if planted in the proper condition . A gently shaded , fast - draining land site with acidulous soil provides the best environment for produce cleyera , although it will tolerate full sunshine in cool climates . Do n’t plant it in alkaline soil because it will increase the chances of chlorosis , an smoothing iron deficiency that causes yellowed foliation and slow growth . Also , avoid institute it under a deciduous tree that casts heavy refinement because it may suffer leaf sunburn when endanger to wintertime sunshine after the tree loses its folio .
Keeping It Healthy
Once established in a worthy site , a cleyera seldom need hands - on caution or maintenance . It generally does n’t have issues with pests or disease . Water it every week to a depth of 1 column inch during the summer , especially in warmer clime or during time of uttermost drought . contain watering in winter or during showery weather . Routine eating is not necessary , although a 3 - inch stratum of compost spread beneath the trickle line of the shrub will leave a constant , small - level reservoir of food while keep weeds at bay . Cleyera grows slowly and seldom needs pruning , but you could pinch it back in bounce to encourage a more compact shape .
