Scientific name: Garrya elliptica
Family: GARRYACEAE
Common names: “silk-tassel bush” “feverbush”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 8-10
Light: Full sun – semi-shade
Exposure: Sheltered from cold winds
Soil: moderately fertile well drained soil
Moisture: Not too moist – summer drought (better in shade)
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 12′ W 12′
Leaf and Stem shape: Handsome oval-round leathery leaves on woody stems
Flower: The long, grey-green male catkins flower in January and February. The female plant is less commonly seen, but produces long clusters of purple-brown fruits in summer
Pruning: Little pruning required, wait until plant is 10-15 years old before any pruning, prune in spring after bloom after the last frost
Maintenance: Low maintenance, easy to grow
Landscape use: Ornamental hedging and good winter screening
Propagate: By seed in cold frame containers in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pests & Disease: Generally pest and disease free, older leaves and stems appear spotted: not a disease but physiological
*Deer don’t like them
Comments: Though younger plants adapt better, purchasing larger shrubs recommended for this species
Cultivars: G. e. ‘James roof’ – has longer catkins but too lanky, not recommended
Vancouver Island Grows 