PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray for coastal landscape use
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil dries; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to 10°C; prefers warm subtropical temperatures; avoid prolonged frost exposure
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, leathery, elliptical leaves with glossy dark green upper surfaces and pale undersides
- Flower: Inconspicuous, creamy-white, fragrant clusters in leaf axils
- Stem: Slender, gray-brown stems with smooth bark; dense branching habit
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy, sparse growth
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base; water in to release nutrients graduallyPruning
- Prune in late winter to shape hedges or maintain desired mature size
- Remove dead or damaged branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Lightly shear after flowering to encourage dense new foliage growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: No documented toxicity to cats per ASPCA
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental hedge plant; coastal landscape screening; wildlife shelter for small birds
