Cleyera

$0.00

Full sun
Partial sun
5′-10′
Not deer resistant
Category:

Description

Cleyera (Ternstroemia gymnanthera), also known as Japanese Cleyera, is an elegant evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage and year-round appeal. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Cleyera showcases leaves that emerge as bronze or red, maturing to a deep, lustrous green with a subtle red tint on the undersides. In spring or early summer, small, fragrant, cream-colored flowers bloom, followed by small, dark red berries in fall, providing seasonal interest and attracting birds.

Cleyera typically grows to about 8 to 10 feet in height, with a spread of 5 to 6 feet, making it ideal for hedges, privacy screens, or foundation plantings. This shrub thrives in partial to full shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It performs best in USDA zones 7-10, preferring well-draining, acidic soil. Cleyera is relatively drought-tolerant once established and can handle high humidity, making it well-suited to southern landscapes.

Low-maintenance and versatile, Cleyera requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape, usually done in early spring. With its rich foliage, subtle blooms, and adaptability, Cleyera adds structure and beauty to both formal and informal garden designs. Whether used as a hedge, accent shrub, or in mixed borders, Cleyera provides year-round greenery and a refined touch to shaded or partially shaded landscapes.