PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full to partial sun; tolerant of coastal salt spray and direct sunlight exposure
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperate to subtropical climates; tolerate light frost but avoid prolonged temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Thick, leathery, elliptical leaves with glossy dark green upper surface and pale undersides
- Flower: Small, creamy-white, clustered axillary blooms with subtle fragrance
- Stem/Bark: Smooth, light brown to gray bark; branching starts low to form dense foliage
Care Guide
Watering
Water daily during extreme heat; maintain consistent soil moisture
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp around base monthly to improve soil structure and calcium levelsPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in early spring to maintain a compact shape
- Thin dense foliage to improve airflow and sunlight penetration
- Trim back overgrown stems after flowering to encourage new growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: No known toxic effects on cats (ASPCA unlisted)
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Coastal erosion control; ornamental landscape plant; wildlife food source (berries for birds)
