PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal winds and prolonged dry spells
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; thrives in hot, dry Mediterranean summer conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, leathery elliptical leaves with glossy dark green upper surfaces and pale green undersides
- Flower: Clusters of tiny, fragrant white star-shaped blooms
- Stem/Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark with dense branching for compact form
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply once weekly during extended dry spells; reduce watering in rainy periods
Fertilization
Apply slow-release granular fertilizer once. Use a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-lean fertilizer to support woody growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Dry and crush cleaned eggshells; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and work into the top 2 cm of soil to avoid pH imbalancesPruning
- Trim after flowering to maintain desired hedge or topiary shape
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in early spring to improve airflow
- Thin overcrowded interior growth to preserve dense foliage coverage
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects for humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Hedging, topiary specimen, coastal landscaping evergreen
