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Garrya elliptica

Silk Tassel 'James Roof'

RHS Award of Garden Merit Low Maintenance Hardiness H4

Long silvery-grey catkins hang from the evergreen branches of Garrya elliptica during winter, when few shrubs are flowering. This substantial coastal-tolerant shrub needs a sheltered wall or boundary, with male plants producing the longest and most impressive tassels.
SKU: GARR-5-Y
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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, flowering month
February, flowering month
March, not a flowering month
April, not a flowering month
May, not a flowering month
June, not a flowering month
July, not a flowering month
August, not a flowering month
September, not a flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, flowering month

Size

Max Height
2.5 m — 4.0 m
Max Spread
2.5 m — 4.0 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun Part Shade
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
South West East North
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Exposed / Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H4 (−10 to −5 °C) Hardy in most of Ireland

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Against Wall
Merits
  • Generally pest-free
  • Low Maintenance
  • RHS | Award Of Garden Merit

Garrya elliptica Description

Garrya elliptica is a large evergreen shrub valued for its leathery, wavy-edged dark green leaves and decorative winter catkins. Male plants produce the longest silvery-grey tassels, which can hang 15 to 20cm or more from the branches between winter and early spring. Female plants carry shorter catkins and may develop dark fruits where a male grows nearby. Mature shrubs generally reach 3 to 4 metres high and wide. Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil beside a sheltered wall or boundary. It tolerates coastal air well but can suffer leaf scorch in cold easterly winds. Ireland’s mild coastal climate suits it particularly well. Prune lightly after the catkins fade, avoiding hard cuts into old bare wood.

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