As the old-fashioned privet hedges are becoming less common,
shorn hedges of xylosma, biological name Xylosma congestum, are
becoming more popular.
As the old-fashioned privet hedges are becoming less common, shorn hedges of xylosma, biological name Xylosma congestum, are becoming more popular. Their slower growth and complaisant root systems are simply more adaptable to smaller modern gardens. Mature xylosma hedges rarely get taller than eight feet, and can easily be maintained much shorter. ‘Compacta’ is naturally about half as large when mature. Unshorn plants are usually wider than tall, with open, angular branch structure.
Xylosma does not necessarily need to be shorn. With only occasional selective pruning, and a bit more space to grow than shorn hedges require, it can be grown as unshorn informal hedges. Overgrown plants can be pruned as small sculptural ‘specimen’ trees, with their lower growth pruned away to expose multiple gnarled trunks.
The somewhat bronzy new growth of xylosma develops into glossy yellowish green foliage. Partial shade causes foliage to be greener and sparser. Foliage is evergreen, but much of it falls off as new growth develops in spring. Vigorous growth can be surprisingly thorny. The long, thin thorns are obscured by the abundant, softly textured foliage, so are quite a surprise to anyone who unsuspectingly encounters them. Flowers are insignificant, but are almost never seen anyway.
New plants in the nursery are rather unimpressive, and may take a while to get established in the garden, but are quite undemanding once they get comfortable. Xylosma tolerates considerable shade, as well as harsh exposure. It is quite happy without shade near reflective pavement or walls, where other plants might get cooked. Xylosma is happy with just about any soil, as long as it is not saturated. Chlorosis (foliage yellowing more than natural color) is rare, and is easily remedied by moderate application of fertilizer. Scale or red spider mite infestations only rarely become problematic.
Tony Tomeo is a consulting horticulturist and arborist for New Image Landscape of Fremont. His weekly radio broadcast, “New Image Garden Report,” can be heard at 8:10am on Friday mornings on KSCO, 1080 AM of Santa Cruz. Tony can be reached at (888) 226-9191 or
tt****@ne***************.com
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