This shrub to small tree has a brownish trunk with spreading drooping whitish branches that form a rounded crown. It has dark green leathery oblong leaves and the fragrant creamy white cup-shaped flowers appear singularly during summer.

Hardiness zones 7 to 11

Cleyera japonicais naturally found from Burma to China and Japan growing in moist fertile well drained soils in an open sunny position and is moderately frost tolerant but drought tender.

This shrub is grown for its foliage and flowers. It is used as filler in a shrub border or against fences as a screen plant. It is planted in small gardens as a specimen establishing in 3 to 5 years. Is used in Japanese gardens for fragrance and may be lightly trimmed to form a hedge. Itis suitable for coastal or mountain regions. ID 1859

Cleyera(klay-a-ra)japonica(ja-PON-ee-ka)

Theaceae (tee-AY-see-ee)
Tea Family