How to Grow Silk Tassel Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2025

Silk tassel bush is a flowering plant that is native to the southeastern United States. The plant gets its name from the long, silky tassels that hang from its branches. The silk tassel bush is a popular ornamental plant, and it is often used in landscaping. The plant is relatively easy to care for, and it does not require a lot of water.

How to Grow Silk Tassel Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

Indian mulberry
Noni
Hog apple
Indian fig
Chebulic myrobalan

Things to Know

The silk tassel bush (Garrya elliptica) is a species of flowering plant in the family Garryaceae, native to the western United States.
It is an evergreen shrub growing to 5 m (16 ft) tall and 5 m (16 ft) wide.
The leaves are alternate, elliptical, 28 cm (0.81 in) long and 13 cm (0.42 in) wide, with a leathery texture and a glossy surface.
The flowers are borne in clusters of 4-20, each flower small, greenish-white, with four petals.
The fruit is a drupe, 23 cm (0.82 in) long and 1 cm (0.4 in) wide, ripening black.
It is often grown as an ornamental plant, and its flowers are used in dried flower arrangements.
A number of cultivars have been developed for garden use, including 'James Roof', 'Bodegold', and 'Ivory Tower'.
Silk tassel bush is a host plant for the larvae of the emperor gum moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti).
It is also a food plant for the western tussock moth (Orgyia vetusta).
The plant is sometimes browsed by deer.

Related plant:
Silk Floss Tree

Growing Steps

For silk tassel bush, first step is to start with seeds or young plants if you are not growing from seed.
Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil.
If growing from seed, plant the seeds in a seed tray or pot filled with moist potting mix.
Water the seeds or young plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
When the plants are big enough, transplant them into individual pots or into the garden.
Apply a balanced fertilizer to the plants every few weeks.
Pinch back the tips of the plants to encourage branching and to keep them compact.
Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
Protect the plants from frost in winter.
Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your silk tassel bush plants!

Related plant:
Persian Silk Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the silk tassel bush grows well in fertile, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It does not do well in soggy, wet soils. This plant is tolerant of some drought once it is established.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, the silk tassel bush needs sunlight to grow. However, it is not as demanding as some other plants and can even tolerate some shade. This makes it a good choice for gardeners who want to add a little bit of color to a shady corner of their yard. The silk tassel bush can also be grown indoors, as long as it gets enough sunlight.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that the silk tassel bush can tolerate is relatively low. It can endure cold weather down to -15?. However, it should be noted that the bush should be kept in an area with some sunlight during the colder months. If the plant is kept in complete darkness, it will become etiolated.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer that is applied monthly. During the active growing season, you can side-dress the plants with a little extra fertilizer to promote lush growth. The silk tassel bush is a heavy feeder, so don't skimp on the fertilizer. If you want your plant to really thrive, consider using a root booster when you plant it. This will help the plant develop a strong root system.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a silk tassel bush. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. Cut back any branches that are growing out of bounds. Prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown in a warm, sunny location as soon as it is ripe. If starting the plants indoors, do so about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. The seedlings should be transplanted into the garden when they are about 6-8 inches tall. Space the plants about 2-3 feet apart.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the covering of the ground. If the ground is covered with mulch, the growth will be much slower than if the ground is left uncovered. The amount of water and fertilizer also play a role in the growth rate of the silk tassel bush.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. Overwatering - This plant is susceptible to root rot, so make sure you don't overwater it. 2. Pests - Aphids and whiteflies can be a problem for this plant. 3. Diseases - Powdery mildew and stem rot can affect this plant.

Growing Tips

Make sure to plant your silk tassel bush in an area that receives full sun.
Give your plant plenty of room to grow by planting it in a large pot or in the ground.
Water your plant regularly and fertilize it monthly.
Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too leggy.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action immediately if you see any problems.
Harvest the silk tassels when they turn brown and dry.
Store the silk tassels in a cool, dark place.
To use the silk tassels, strip them from the stem and soak them in water overnight.
The next day, add the silk tassels to soups, stews, or other dishes.
Enjoy your home-grown silk tassels!