Eurya spp.

eurya

Pentaphylacaceae Tropical and subtropical Asia

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade – Full Sun

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Eurya spp. is a genus of about 70 evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Pentaphylacaceae, native to tropical and subtropical Asia and the Pacific. Plants grow 3–20 ft (1–6 m) tall with a dense, twiggy, often upright habit and two-ranked branching. The leaves are small to medium, leathery, glossy, and finely toothed, 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long, sometimes flushed bronze or red on new growth. Eurya spp. is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants; the flowers are small, greenish-white to pale yellow, clustered along the shoots, and carry a strong, sour scent that many find unpleasant. Female plants bear small black or purple-black berries. The genus is grown in Asia as an evergreen hedge and foliage shrub, and some compact and variegated forms are sold for gardens. It tolerates shade and a range of soils but is frost-tender in the more tropical species, and the flower odor limits its use near windows and seating.

Native Range

Eurya spp. is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and the western Pacific, from the Himalayas and India through China, Japan, and Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands. It grows in forest understorey, scrub, and mountain slopes, often on acidic soils.

Suggested Uses

Eurya spp. is used as an evergreen hedge, screen, and foliage shrub in shaded and woodland gardens, and the compact and variegated forms suit containers and foundation plantings. Plants are spaced 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart for a hedge. The strong flower scent keeps it out of plantings near doors, windows, and seating areas.

How to Identify

Identify Eurya spp. by its small, leathery, glossy, finely toothed evergreen leaves set in two ranks along zigzagging twigs, with bronze or reddish new growth in some forms. Tiny greenish-white flowers crowded along the shoots give off a strong, sour smell. Separate male and female plants and small black berries on the females confirm the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 20'

Width/Spread3' - 12'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Winter Spring

Eurya spp. flowers in late winter and spring, often February to April, with small greenish-white to yellowish flowers clustered tight against the stems. The flowers are easy to overlook by sight but are noticed by their strong, sour scent. Female plants then carry small black berries into autumn and winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish-white to pale yellow

Foliage Description

glossy dark green, bronze when young

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade SunFull Sun

Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Eurya spp. grows in part shade to full shade and moist, free-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter at a pH of 5.0–6.5. It tolerates full sun in cooler climates with steady moisture but scorches in hot, dry sun. Hardiness varies by species, with hardier types taking light frost to about 15°F (−9°C) and tropical ones needing frost-free conditions. The genus needs little feeding and stands regular clipping, which makes it serve as a hedge. Propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings or by seed from female plants. Few pests trouble it in a sheltered, shaded spot.

Pruning

Eurya spp. stands hard clipping and is sheared one or two times a year to keep a formal hedge or compact shape. Pruning after the late-winter flowering avoids cutting off the developing berries on female plants. Thinning crowded stems opens up the dense, twiggy growth.