Garrya James Roof

Genus garrya are vigorous evergreen dioecious shrubs with simple leathery leaves and small greenish flowers in pendent catkin like racemes in late winter and early spring details james roof is a large vigorous bushy evergreen shrub with leathery dark green leaves.

Garrya james roof.

Flowers male in drooping grey green catkins to 20cm in length. Garrya elliptica james roof is the most popular variety because its tassels are much longer than the species up to 30cm long and lasting for many weeks making a striking backdrop to other smaller plants. Amazing 1 long silver gray tassels from late fall last through winter. If the shrub is damaged in a bad winter you can prune out the browned leaves.

The two most popular cultivars are both male james roof and evie evie has a denser look than james roof garrya elliptica like many california natives is drought tolerant and must have good drainage especially when planted in heavy clay soil. It s native to california and oregon and is one of 13 species in the genus garrya. Look out for jane s roof a. Origin cuttings 19 by james roof prairie creek state park humboldt co.

Long 20 cm dangling like christmas decorations. Wavy leaf silk tassel is a beautiful winter blooming evergreen shrub native to the oregon coast from lincoln county south to santa barbara county california. If the plant is in an exposed spot it can damage the leaves as you will see in the image left where some of the leaves have been browned by a severe winter. You should expect a mature height of around 12 and a similar spread in a garden situation in southern california.

The catkin like tassels on james roof can be up to 35 cms making an impressive winter show. Hardy to usda zone 8 native to the coast range and near the pacific ocean from southwest oregon to southern california. The royal horticultural society has given it its prestigious award of garden merit agm. A favourite winter flowering plant is garrya elliptica or silktassel bush.

In winter it is lit up by pendant silvery tassel like male catkins 8 in. A few male cultivars with especially long tassels are available james roof 30 cm evie 25 cm. Prune immediately after flowering. Large shrubs have the appearance of a chandelier.

Plant in well draining soil and add some supplemental water. Notes on garrya elliptica james roof offers great architectural interest for the back of the border where its long flower tassels look elegant especially when covered in frost lucy summers greenfingers guides.