How to Grow Japanese Cleyera - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Japanese cleyera is an evergreen shrub that is native to eastern Asia. It is characterized by its leathery, dark green leaves and its small, white flowers. The japanese cleyera is a popular landscape plant, and is often used as a hedge or foundation plant.

How to Grow Japanese Cleyera - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Winter creeper
  • Euonymus
  • Burning bush
  • Spindle tree
  • Strawberry bush

Common Knowledge

  • Japanese cleyera is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall.
  • It has dark green, glossy leaves that are oblong in shape.
  • The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring.
  • Japanese cleyera is native to East Asia, specifically Japan, China, and Korea.
  • It is often used as a hedge or foundation plant in landscaping.
  • The plant is relatively low-maintenance and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
  • Japanese cleyera can be propagated via stem cuttings.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • Japanese cleyera is susceptible to scale, mealybugs, and aphids.
  • The plant can be pruned in late winter to early spring.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Growing Steps

  1. For japanese cleyera, first step is to choose a location that has well-drained soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Next, prepare your planting bed by turning the soil and adding compost to help improve drainage and fertility.
  3. Once the bed is prepared, you can plant japanese cleyera by seed or transplant.
  4. If you are planting by seed, sow them in a seed tray filled with moistened potting mix.
  5. Once the seeds have germinated, transplant them into individual pots or the prepared bed.
  6. Water japanese cleyera regularly, especially during dry spells.
  7. Fertilize monthly using a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune as needed to keep the plant tidy and to encourage new growth.
  9. Japanese cleyera can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so watch for problems and take action as needed.
  10. Enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage of japanese cleyera in your landscape!

Related plant:
Japanese Barberry Bush

Soil Condition

About soil condition, The best thing for japanese cleyera is well-drained soil. If the soil is too wet, the roots will begin to rot. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will begin to wilt. Japanese cleyera can grow in both sun and shade, but it will produce more flowers if it is grown in full sun.

Light requirement

Just like other T. japonica cultivars, ‘Japanese cleyera’ requires full sun to partial sun for optimal growth. The amount of sun exposure will affect the amount of foliage produced. The more sun, the more foliage. Too little sun, and the plant will become leggy with fewer leaves. Japanese cleyera grows best in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions for growing japanese cleyera are important to consider. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will not do well in temperatures that are too hot. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the plant is too wet, it can lead to root rot. If the plant is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. The plant prefers a humid environment but can tolerate some dryness.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant prefers light applications of a well balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. It is important not to over fertilize as this can lead to problems with the root system. As for the roots, they are quite fibrous and can benefit from being planted in a well aerated soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning Japanese cleyera is a necessary step in keeping this beautiful shrub healthy and looking its best.Start by removing any dead or damaged branches. Next, thin out any crowded or crossing branches to allow air and light to reach the inner parts of the plant. Finally, cut back any long, leggy stems to encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of japanese cleyera is typically done through rooting of stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and should include 2-3 sets of leaves. Cuttings can be taken from the tips of the branches or from the sides. To root the cuttings, fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and then plant them in the potting mix. Water the potting mix well and then place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet and in about 4-6 weeks the cuttings should have rooted. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into larger pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of rain. However, they can also grow during the fall and winter if the conditions are right. The key to success is to provide the plants with the right amount of water and sunlight. Too much or too little of either can result in stunted growth or even death.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are fungal diseases, such as root rot and powdery mildew. Other problems include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Proper care and prevention can help to avoid these problems.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your Japanese cleyera in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • The plant does best in well-drained soil.
  • Be sure to water the plant regularly.
  • Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune the plant regularly to keep it from getting too leggy.
  • The plant can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to keep an eye out for any problems.
  • Japanese cleyera can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • The plant can be used in hedges or as a specimen plant in the garden.
  • Japanese cleyera can be susceptible to winter burn, so be sure to protect the plant in cold weather.
  • Keep an eye out for any new growth in the spring, as this is a sign that the plant is coming out of dormancy

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Source:
Landscape Services | University of Mississippi
Cleyera - Tree selection - Landscape plants - Edward F. Gilman
Learn Japanese in Japan | Study Japanese in Japan with EF

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