PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind exposure for enhanced hardiness
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once fully established
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; avoids prolonged extreme heat above 28°C to prevent leaf scorch
Characteristics
- Leaf: Leathery, elliptical, dark green upper surface, silvery-fuzzy underside
- Flower: Male plants produce long, drooping silvery catkins (tassels) up to 30 cm; female flowers are smaller, greenish
- Stem: Woody, gray-brown bark with fine fissures over time
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly during establishment; reduce frequency once mature
Fertilization
Light top-dress with well-rotted compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent reduced flower production
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp per plant around the base and gently work into topsoil to avoid root disturbancePruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain compact shape; remove dead or damaged branches
- Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and light penetration
- Avoid heavy hard pruning, as it can reduce next year's catkin production
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shrub for winter interest; suitable for coastal hedges and wildlife gardens
