Maintenance Landscaping Design

Garrya elliptica is a species of flowering plant in the family Garryaceae, native to the western United States. It is a medium-sized evergreen shrub growing to 5 m (16 ft) tall and wide, with dark green, ovate leaves and cluster of small, greenish-white flowers in winter.

Alternative name

• Farkleberry
  
• Bitterbush
  
• Feverbush
  
• Inkberry
  
• Waxberry

Basic info

• Garrya elliptica is a dioecious perennial shrub that can grow up to 5 m tall.
  
• It has dark green, lanceolate leaves that are 10-20 cm long and 2-4 cm wide.
  
• The inflorescences are axillary panicles with 10-20 flowers.
  
• The Flowers are bisexual, with 4-5 mm long calyx and 4-5 mm long corolla.
  
• The fruit is a dry, woody, brown capsule that splits open to release the seeds.
  
• Garrya elliptica is native to western North America, from British Columbia to California.
  
• It is found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forests.
  
• Garrya elliptica is a popular ornamental plant and is used in hedges, screens, and as a specimen plant.
  
• It is drought tolerant and does not require much maintenance.
  
• Some common pests and diseases of Garrya elliptica include aphids, whiteflies, and scale.

Related plant:
Garrya Elliptica James Roof

Growing Steps

1. For garrya elliptica, first step is to find a suitable location. It should be in an area that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.
   
2. The next step is to prepare the soil. You can do this by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
   
3. Once the soil is prepared, you will need to sow the seeds. You can do this by scattering them on the surface of the soil.
   
4. Once the seeds have been scattered, you will need to lightly cover them with soil.
   
5. Water the area well and keep it moist.
   
6. Once the seedlings have germinated, thin them out so that only the strong ones are left.
   
7. When the seedlings are large enough, you can transplant them into individual pots or into the ground.
   
8. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them monthly.
   
9. Garrya elliptica will start to bloom in the late spring or early summer.
   
10. Once the blooming period is over, the plant will produce berries which are edible.

The Soil

About soil condition, Garrya elliptica prefers well-drained soil but can also adapt to other soil types as long as it is not waterlogged. It is quite drought-tolerant once established, so it is not necessary to water it regularly. This plant can also tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, Garrya elliptica requires sun to grow and prosper. The plant is native to North America and can be found in areas with moist soils and full sun. Garrya elliptica can also tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as profusely in these conditions. This tough little plant is perfect for adding some greenery to a sunny spot in your garden!

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for Garrya elliptica is that it prefers cool weather and can tolerate freezing temperatures. It is a hardy plant that can survive in both hot and cold climates. It prefers full sun to partial shade and does best in moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and can tolerate short periods of inundation.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The Garrya elliptica should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. The plant should be fertilized once per month during the growing season.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant responds well to an annual application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10. It also benefits from having its root system regularly watered during prolonged dry spells.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Garrya elliptica healthy and looking its best. Pruning can be done to remove dead or damaged branches, to promote new growth, or to shape the plant. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation of Garrya elliptica is typically done through seed. Sow seeds in the spring, making sure to stratify them first. To stratify, mix the seeds with moist sand and place in the refrigerator for four to six weeks. Next, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix and keep moist. The seeds should germinate within two to four weeks. Once they have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and fall, but the growth rate can vary depending on the variety. In general, the garrya elliptica grows best in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. However, the plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant areVerticillium wilt and powdery mildew. Leaves may also be scorched in hot, dry weather. The Verticillium wilt is a fungus that attacks the vascular system of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and the plant to eventually die. Powdery mildew is a fungus that covers the leaves with a white powdery growth. It can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other problems. Scorched leaves are caused by hot, dry weather. The leaves turn brown and dry out.

Tips on Growing

• If you are growing Garrya elliptica from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
  
• Sow the seeds on the surface of a sterile seed-starting mix and press them gently into the mix.
  
• Water the seeds carefully, using a mist setting on a watering can or spray bottle.
  
• Keep the seed-starting mix moist but not soggy.
  
• When the seedlings emerge, thin them so that only the strongest seedlings remain.
  
• Transplant the seedlings into 4-inch pots filled with a quality potting mix once they have several sets of true leaves.
  
• Grow the seedlings under bright, indirect light.
  
• Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth.
  
• Fertilize the seedlings monthly with a half-strength solution of an all-purpose fertilizer.

Related Plants

• Garrya fremontii - Garrya fremontii, or Fremont's leatherleaf garrya, is a species...
  
• Garrya wrightii - Garrya wrightii, the Wright's leatherleaf garrya, is a species of...
  
• Garrya pilosa - Garrya pilosa is a species of flowering plant in the Garrya genus.
  
• Garrya asplenifolia - Garrya asplenifolia, the fernleaf silktassel, is a species of flowering...
  
• Garrya flavescens - Garrya flavescens, or yellow silk-tassel, is a species of flowering plant...
  
• Garrya racemosa - Garrya racemosa, commonly known as the silktassel bush and graybeard,...
  
• Garrya laurifolia - Garrya laurifolia, the laurel garrya

Source:
Garrya elliptica — Silktassel - UC Master Gardener Program of …
MELU Herbarium | Garrya elliptica
Iridoids of garrya elliptica as plant growth inhibitors - academia.edu