Shiny Xylosma
Xylosma congestum
Also listed as Croton congestus, Xylosma congesta
Climate Match for your location
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A glossy-leaved evergreen shrub with small, shiny dark green foliage and a dense, spreading form. It produces inconspicuous flowers followed by small red berries that attract birds.
Why grow it
Xylosma congestum offers dense screening and informal hedging where a fine-textured evergreen is desired, with less frequent pruning required than many formal hedge species. It tolerates a range of soil and light conditions, including partial shade, and produces bird-attracting berries without the maintenance demands of some ornamental berry-bearing alternatives. The glossy foliage distinguishes it from coarser-leaved screening shrubs in similar climate zones.
Watch out for
This species can become leggy or sparse if grown in heavy shade; it performs best with at least moderate light exposure. In areas where it establishes readily, monitor for volunteer seedlings from bird-dispersed berries, particularly near plantings where you wish to maintain clear boundaries.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Salicaceae
Native Range
China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A glossy-leaved evergreen shrub with small, shiny dark green foliage and a dense, spreading form. It produces inconspicuous flowers followed by small red berries that attract birds.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Shiny Xylosma grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Xylosma congestum offers dense screening and informal hedging where a fine-textured evergreen is desired, with less frequent pruning required than many formal hedge species. It tolerates a range of soil and light conditions, including partial shade, and produces bird-attracting berries without the maintenance demands of some ornamental berry-bearing alternatives. The glossy foliage distinguishes it from coarser-leaved screening shrubs in similar climate zones.
Watch out for
This species can become leggy or sparse if grown in heavy shade; it performs best with at least moderate light exposure. In areas where it establishes readily, monitor for volunteer seedlings from bird-dispersed berries, particularly near plantings where you wish to maintain clear boundaries.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Salicaceae
Native Range
China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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