Maintenance Landscaping Design

Garrya elliptica james roof is a plant that is native to the western United States. It is a evergreen shrub that can grow to be 15 feet tall. The leaves are narrow and elliptical and the flowers are small and greenish-white. The fruit is a blackberry-like drupe. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Also called

• Silk tassel bush.
  
• Fetterbush.
  
• American boxwood.
  
• Coastal garrya.
  
• Mountain garland.

Things to Know

• Garrya elliptica is a native evergreen shrub in western North America.
  
• It grows up to 6 m (20 ft) tall and 5 m (16 ft) wide.
  
• The leaves are elliptical, 5–12 cm (2–5 in) long and 2–6 cm (1–2 in) wide.
  
• The flowers are small, greenish-white, and borne in clusters.
  
• The fruit is an oval drupe, 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long and 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.
  
• It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant.
  
• It is also used in the production of certain perfumes and lotions.
  
• Garrya elliptica is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world.
  
• It can also be toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.
  
• The plant is also known by the common names of coastsilk tassel, hollywood bush, and james roof.

Planting Process

1. For garrya elliptica james roof, first step is to find a suitable location. It is best to choose an area with full sun and well-drained soil.
   
2. Clear the area of all weeds and grasses.
   
3. Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
4. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
   
6. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
   
7. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, but keep it several inches away from the plant’s stem.
   
8. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
9. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful garrya elliptica james roof plant!

Related plant:
Garrya Elliptica

The Soil

About soil condition, Garrya elliptica James Roof can tolerate a wide range of soils as long as it is well-drained. It is not fussy about pH but prefers a neutral to slightly acidic soil. It is also fairly drought-tolerant once established.

Light condition

Just like other Garrya species, Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It is a tough and adaptable plant that can tolerate a wide range of sun exposures and soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. This evergreen shrub can reach up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide at maturity, making it a good choice for use as a screen or hedge.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition Garrya elliptica James Roof prefers is cool to warm temperate. This shrub is not tolerant of cold temperatures and should be grown in an area that does not experience frost or freezes. It can be planted in full sun to partial shade.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant doesn't need much. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually hurt Garrya elliptica James Roof. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is all that's needed. As for the root system, it's best to leave it undisturbed.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your garrya elliptica james roof healthy and looking its best. This evergreen shrub can grow to 20 feet tall and wide, so regular pruning is necessary to control its size and shape. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and thin out overcrowded areas to allow light and air to reach the center of the plant. Cut back any long, leggy branches to encourage compact growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by seed, which germinates readily. Sow seed in a cold frame in early spring. Plants are fairly slow to come into flower and may not bloom for 2-3 years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7-10cm with a heel, taken in July/August and root in a cold frame. Layering in early spring.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is done in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. However, some growth can occur in the fall and winter if the plant is healthy and has sufficient moisture. The best time to transplant or pot garrya elliptica james roof is in the spring when the plant is just beginning to grow.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with a fungicide. Another problem is that the plant is susceptible to wind damage. This can be prevented by staking the plant or by growing it in a protected location.

Growing Tips

• Remember to water your Garrya regularly, especially during dry periods.
  
• Feed your plant with a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
  
• Garrya plants need full sun to partial shade.
  
• Prune your Garrya after flowering to keep it looking its best.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  
• Regularly deadhead your Garrya to encourage new growth.
  
• Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
  
• Place your Garrya in a sheltered spot to protect it from strong winds.
  
• Mulch around your plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful, fragrant flowers your Garrya produces!

Related Plants

• Garrya Free
  
• Garrya Elliptica
  

Source:
Garrya elliptica, coast silktassel | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Iridoids of garrya elliptica as plant growth inhibitors - academia.edu
MELU Herbarium | Garrya elliptica