Xue Liu
Fontanesia phillyreoides fortunei

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Fontanesia phillyreoides fortunei is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. 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.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Near gullies, by streams, or in woods; 0-800 m. Anhui, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Zhejiang.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The Chinese make fences around their compounds with interlaced branches of this plant. These branches take root and form a very graceful hedge.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

An easily cultivated plant, it succeeds in any reasonably well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. This plant is recognised as a distinct species by some authorities, it then has the name F. fortunei Carr..

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for 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 cold frame. Cuttings of mature wood, November to February in a sheltered outdoor bed root easily. Fairly large branches can be used and placed direct into their final position to quickly produce a hedge.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

F. fortunei.