PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial sun to full sun; tolerates light shade; avoid prolonged deep shade to maintain dense foliage growth
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; thrives in 15–25°C; protect young plants from extreme frost
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy, leathery leaves with spiny holly-like margins; dark green upper surface, pale green underside
- Flower: Small, creamy-white, highly fragrant clustered blooms in leaf axils
- Stem: Slender, woody stems with smooth, light brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency in hot, dry weather
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the base; work lightly into topsoil to avoid root disturbancePruning
- Trim to maintain desired shape in late winter or early spring after flowering
- Remove dead or damaged branches to improve airflow and overall appearance
- Thin dense inner growth to allow light penetration and encourage even foliage development
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no adverse effects expected from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and small-scale ingestion
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Valued for year-round evergreen foliage and fragrant autumn blooms; commonly used in hedges and foundation plantings
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; fragrant flowers used in potpourri and mild tea infusions
