Plant of the week

5th October 2014
 DICHROA FEBRIFUGA

1st September 2014

EURYA JAPONICA 'MOUTIERS'

Occasionally we come across a new genus of plants we have never tried before & this small, evergreen & very tough shrub fits the bill for most modern, small gardens. Strangely it is a member of the Camellia family but seems totally lime tolerant. In its wild form in the woodlands of mainly Japan, but also Korea & China, it is the understorey for larger Camellias. 

This much more decorative form was first introduced into the United States from Japan & named 'Green Thinly Margined' a totally unacceptable name & latterly re-named. It forms a very slow growing, mound-like shrub the red stems carrying two, closely set ranks of slightly contorted leaves. In spring they are a striking creamy-white with a fine green edge. By autumn they have turned silvery-green with a rich burgundy edging. The flowers are little to write home about, but they do offer a fine crop of purple berries which age black, during autumn. 

It prefers a retentive, humus rich, woodland soil in part or full shade, but seems OK in a moister soil in sun. There are not many interesting small shrubs for a shady woodland, so this is likely to prove a valuable introduction. Expect it to reach around a metre when fully grown. Would also be suitable for growing in a tub in similar conditions giving year round interest.