Garrya elliptica

January 2013, GPGD.

Garrya eliptica flowers, 2013

Common name: Silk Tassel Bush, Coast Silk Tassel or Wayleaf Silk Tasse



Family                       Garrycaeae
Height & spread     4m x 4m
Soil                             moderately-fertile, 
                                   well-drained soil
Aspect                      Full sun or partial 
                                   shade.
Hardiness               Frost hardy - may tolerate 
                                   temperatures down to 
                                   -10ºC
Flowering time        December to 
                                    February. 




Care                    
Garrya elliptica  is native to western USA, Central America and the West Indies and is usually found in a woodland setting. 
Is useful to the landscape architect for its winter interest; the long  silvery catkins up to 20cm long, shine out among glossy, dark green leaves throughout winter.
It can also be pruned into a very attractive small tree like habit.
The silken tassels of this upright, evergreen shrub make a stunning feature in the winter garden. 
Male and female, petalless flowers are borne on separate plants, from winter to early summer, in the form of catkins. The females produce purple brown berries, however the male catkins are more attractive.
It tolerates a wide pH of soil. Avoid transplanting.
Requires little maintenance only cut back dead or straggly branches in April or May.

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Garrya elliptica, Green Point Garden Design

Garrya elliptica ‘James Roof’, AGM
is a male form with dark, sea-green, slightly larger leaves and silver-grey catkins up to 20cm (8in) long.