False Japanese Cleyera
Ternstroemia gymnanthera
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Considered non-toxic, but not intended for consumption
The Story
Plant Bio
Ternstroemia gymnanthera is a broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its handsome, glossy, leathery leaves. New growth often emerges with a reddish-bronze tint, maturing to a deep green, and it has a dense, multi-stemmed habit. This species is prized for its clean appearance and pest resistance, making it a reliable alternative to other hedge plants. Its small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers are inconspicuous but are followed by small, ornamental red berries in fall.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with acidic to neutral, well-drained soil.
- Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
- Incorporate organic matter like compost into the backfill soil.
- Place the plant so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
- Fill the hole, water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Pro Tip
For the best foliage color and density, provide morning sun with afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry spells.
- Plant in acidic soil for best performance.
- Prune as needed to maintain desired size and shape.
- Protect from harsh winter winds in the northern part of its range.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged, or alkaline soils.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Don't shear into a formal hedge after new growth has hardened off.
- Avoid planting in hot, reflective locations without afternoon shade.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
False Japanese Cleyera questions
What zones can False Japanese Cleyera grow in?
False Japanese Cleyera is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is False Japanese Cleyera deer resistant?
Yes — False Japanese Cleyera is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does False Japanese Cleyera bloom?
False Japanese Cleyera typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does False Japanese Cleyera need full sun?
False Japanese Cleyera does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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Grow False Japanese Cleyera with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
