Corokia x virgata
Family: Cornaceae
What it is like
Corokia x virgata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3.5 m (11ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid species, probably C. buddleioides x C. cotoneaster.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Plants can be grown as a medium size hedge, they are fairly tolerant of trimming and do well in mild coastal areas.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained soil as long as it is not very dry. Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates light shade. Plants are very wind tolerant. This species is on the borderlines of hardiness at Kew, but it resprouts from the base if cut back by severe weather. It tolerates temperatures down to about -8°c if growing in a sunny sheltered position by a wall and also succeeds as a free-standing shrub in the milder areas of the country. This hybrid species is particularly free-flowering and produces copious fruit. A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - this is a hybrid species and will not come true from seed. The seed can be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or in the late winter. It can be slow to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 7 - 10cm with a heel, November in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist