This medium size tree may have multiple trunks with smooth grey-brown bark and spreading branches that form a domed crown. It has oblong glossy dark green leaves and the tiny cup-shaped white flowers appear in clusters from spring to early summer.

Hardiness zones 7 to 11

Ternstroemia gymnantherais naturally found from Japan to Taiwan and south-west China growing in moist, well drained fertile slightly acid soils. It prefers an open sunny position andis drought tender but light frost tolerant.

The Japanese Ternstroemia is a small tree that is grown for its foliage and is planted in garden borders for screening or used as a lawn specimen. It may also be trimmed when young to form an informal hedge. It is suitable for coastal or mountain regions with a shaded position and establishes in 3 to 5 years. It is the most cultivated species in the genus and is commonly used in Japanese gardens. ID 1874

Ternstroemia (turn-stro-ee-MEE-ah) gymnanthera(jim-NAN-ther-ah)

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