PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; tolerates reflected urban heat and prolonged dry periods
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
Temperature
Cold hardy to USDA zone 8b; tolerates high summer temperatures up to 38°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to oblong leaves with rough, sandpaper-like upper surfaces; dark green, leathery, with slightly wavy margins.
- Flower: Dense clusters of small, fragrant white to pale yellow blooms that fade to golden yellow as they mature.
- Stem/Bark: Mature trees have gray-brown, slightly furrowed bark; young stems are covered in fine, soft hairs.
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days; reduce watering during periods of heavy rainfall
Fertilization
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering
Composted coffee grounds tea：Use fully composted coffee grounds to avoid pH imbalance; dilute 1:25 with water for root drenching, and filter out solids to prevent pest issuesPruning
- Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Thin dense inner growth to improve airflow and light penetration for better flowering
- Remove suckers at the base to maintain a single-trunk tree form, or leave them to encourage a multi-stemmed shrub shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA does not list this plant as toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shade tree; provides edible berries for birds and wildlife
