PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of coastal salt spray and wind for seaside plantings
Watering
Water deeply every 1–2 weeks, allowing the top 5 cm of soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -12°C; tolerates hot coastal summers and cool, wet winters without frost damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, lanceolate evergreen leaves with glossy upper surfaces and aromatic scent when crushed
- Flower: Inconspicuous catkins; male catkins are yellowish, female catkins are smaller and greenish
- Stem/Bark: Slender, reddish-brown stems with smooth, peeling bark as it matures
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells; reduce frequency once the shrub is established
Fertilization
Top-dress with compost once in early spring to boost soil nutrients. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent weak, leggy growth
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base of the shrub every 6 months to improve soil calcium levelsPruning
- Prune in late winter to shape hedges or remove dead, damaged branches
- Thin dense inner growth to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Trim suckers at the base to maintain a neat form and prevent overcrowding
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; foliage may be used in potpourri safely
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Hedge plant, coastal windbreak, aromatic foliage for potpourri
