Italian Buckthorn
Rhamnus alaternus
Family: Rhamnaceae
What it is like
Rhamnus alaternus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Dry places in scrub and maquis, especially on limestone.
S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Plants can be used as a screen or a hedge.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in sun or shade. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Plants are very tolerant of exposure to salt-laden winds, succeeding in exposed maritime gardens. One report, however, says that they are not very root firm. Hardy to about -15°c. A fairly fast-growing plant. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months stratification at 5°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, there is the suggestion that some members of this genus could be mildly poisonous.