Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Japan, Korea, China
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Cleyera japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to Asia, valued for its handsome, glossy foliage and dense, upright habit. It is a member of the tea family. This species is prized for its lustrous, dark green leaves and the attractive reddish-bronze tint of its new growth. It is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for creating formal hedges and foundation plantings in shady locations.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with partial to full shade and acidic, well-drained soil.
- Incorporate organic matter like compost or pine bark into the planting hole.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
- Set the plant so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
- Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly to settle.
- Mulch with pine straw or bark to conserve moisture and acidify soil.
Pro Tip
Protect from harsh winter winds and direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, to keep foliage looking its best.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
- Plant in acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5) for best results.
- Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
- Prune after flowering to maintain size and shape.
Don't
- Do not plant in full, hot sun, which can cause leaf scorch.
- Avoid planting in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
- Don't allow the plant to dry out completely.
- Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, which can remove next year's flower buds.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Japanese Cleyera questions
What zones can Japanese Cleyera grow in?
Japanese Cleyera is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Japanese Cleyera deer resistant?
Yes — Japanese Cleyera is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Japanese Cleyera bloom?
Japanese Cleyera typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Cleyera need full sun?
Japanese Cleyera does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
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Grow 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.
