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Cleyera japonica

Cleyera japonica
Japanese Cleyera, Sakaki

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More information

A rare bush, related to camellias. Very bushy, it is dressed in tough and shiny evergreen foliage, dark green in colour, with young shoots tinged with coppery pink in spring. In early summer, the plant produces small cream-white flowers that are pleasantly scented. They give rise to red and then black berries. Known to be less hardy (-5°C/-8°C (17.6 °F)), the Cleyera japonica is often grown in pots, which allows it to be protected in winter. In the ground, it forms a magnificent specimen 2 to 3 m (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) high. It thrives in any rich soil, preferably neutral to acidic, moist to dry in summer, in partial shade.
Flower size
2 cm
Height at maturity
1.80 m
Spread at maturity
1.50 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April, September
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

Cleyera japonica, locally nicknamed Sakaki, is an evergreen bush introduced from warm regions of Asia relatively rarely planted in gardens. This cousin of camellias, a sacred tree in the ancient Shinto religion, is more commonly grown in a conservatory due to its reputation as a frost-sensitive plant. From an aesthetic point of view, this cleyera is interesting for its decorative foliage, fragrant flowering, and red fruit turning black in autumn. When planted in the ground, it looks impressive, but its limits in terms of frost resistance and tolerance to summer drought remain to be tested. To give it the best chance, plant it in a very sheltered spot, in rich and loose soil, preferably cool and slightly acidic rather than too chalky.

Cleyera japonica belongs to the pentaphyllaceae or tea family according to classifications. In nature, it is found in oak forests in the warm regions of Japan, South Korea, and mainland China. It grows on the slopes of mountains or in valleys, up to 2000 m (6561 ft 8 in) in altitude. It is a bush with an erect and bushy habit, with numerous branches arranged in a characteristic manner, almost horizontal, covered with dense and evergreen foliage in winter. The leaves measure up to 9 cm long. They are oblongthickdark greentinged with coppery pink on new shoots in spring. Shiny, they can also take on reddish tones in winter. In June-July, depending on the climate, it bears pendulous cream-white cup-shaped flowers on one-year-old branches measuring 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter with 5 petals, difficult to spot at first glance, but fragrant. They are followed in autumn by small red fruits that turn black when ripe, quite discreet and resembling cherries, but not edible. The bark is smooth and dark reddish-brown in colour.

Slow-growing, the Cleyera japonica reaches about 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in height, and up to 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) in favourable conditions at maturity. Plants grown in pots indoors rarely exceed 60-75 cm (23.6-29.5 in) in height and sometimes produce small fragrant white flowers. This bush appreciates soils rich in organic matter as well as semi-shaded to sunny locations. Very decorative and compact, this bush is ideal for adding colour to a well-sheltered courtyard, such as terraces and small urban gardens. It is resistant to pollution and suitable for container planting. It can be planted with other acid-loving plants, such as Japanese azaleas and rhododendrons, camellias, kalmias, magnolias, Japanese andromedas (Pieris), heathers, or even sacred bamboos. Also consider hydrangeas to give it a flowering companion in summer!

Cleyera japonica in pictures

Cleyera japonica (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.80 m
Spread at maturity 1.50 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 2 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Cleyera

Species

japonica

Family

Pentaphylacaceae (Theaceae)

Other common names

Japanese Cleyera, Sakaki

Origin

Southeast Asia

Product reference166451

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Planting and care

To grow Cleyera japonica successfully, pick a spot that gets sun or partial shade and is protected from cold and drying winds. The soil should be light, humus-rich, and preferably acidic or neutral. Avoid heavy soils, waterlogged areas in winter, and arid soils. Regular watering is vital, especially during the first two years of cultivation, particularly in dry conditions. Once established, this plant can tolerate dry summers better. Mulch the base to keep the soil fresh.

To plant, dig a hole three times bigger than the pot. Soak the root ball in water, and plant the bush in a mixture of 1/4  leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist in the summer. To maintain, remove dead branches and shorten those that become too large.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April, September
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Container, Slope, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, deep, rich, well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs protection

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