Silk tassel plants (Garrya elliptica) are dense, erect, evergreen shrubs with long, leathery leaves that are green on top and woolly white underneath. The shrubs typically bloom in January and February, followed by grape-like clusters of round berries that provide much welcome sustenance for birds. Read on to learn about growing silk tassel shrubs.
About Silk Tassel Shrubs
Native to the Pacific Coast, silk tassel is also known as
coast tassel bush, coast silk tassel, or wavy leaf silk tassel. ‘James Roof’ is
a popular variety grown in gardens. Easy-to-grow silk tassel reaches mature
heights of 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m.). In its natural environment, silk tassel can
grow for as long as 150 years.
Silk tassel shrubs are dioecious, which means the plants produce male and female, catkin-like flowers (silk tassels) on separate plants. Male blooms are long and creamy yellow, eventually turning gray as they dry. Female blooms are similar but shorter.
Silk Tassel Bush Planting
Silk tassel shrubs grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. They prefer areas without extremely hot summers and appreciate a little shade during the afternoon. However, they grow in full sun in cooler climates.
Silk tassel may not survive soggy winters with a lot of
heavy rains, although planting on mounds may help. Although silk tassel shrubs
are adaptable to nearly any soil type, well-drained soil is critical for this
drought-tolerant shrub. Silk tassel is a good choice for dry,
shady areas.
Silk tassel care includes watering newly planted shrubs
deeply once every week or two. A monthly watering is enough for established
plants.
When to prune silk tassel is another aspect of its care. Although silk tassel shrubs rarely need pruning, early spring is the best time. Give the plant a light trim after flowering when the silk tassel flowers begin to look ragged, but before new growth emerges in spring.
Silk tassel plants (Garrya elliptica) are dense, erect, evergreen shrubs with long, leathery leaves that are green on top and woolly white underneath. The shrubs typically bloom in January and February, followed by grape-like clusters of round berries that provide much welcome sustenance for birds. Read on to learn about growing silk tassel shrubs.
About Silk Tassel Shrubs
Native to the Pacific Coast, silk tassel is also known as
coast tassel bush, coast silk tassel, or wavy leaf silk tassel. ‘James Roof’ is
a popular variety grown in gardens. Easy-to-grow silk tassel reaches mature
heights of 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m.). In its natural environment, silk tassel can
grow for as long as 150 years.
Silk tassel shrubs are dioecious, which means the plants produce male and female, catkin-like flowers (silk tassels) on separate plants. Male blooms are long and creamy yellow, eventually turning gray as they dry. Female blooms are similar but shorter.
Silk Tassel Bush Planting
Silk tassel shrubs grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. They prefer areas without extremely hot summers and appreciate a little shade during the afternoon. However, they grow in full sun in cooler climates.
Silk tassel may not survive soggy winters with a lot of
heavy rains, although planting on mounds may help. Although silk tassel shrubs
are adaptable to nearly any soil type, well-drained soil is critical for this
drought-tolerant shrub. Silk tassel is a good choice for dry,
shady areas.
Silk tassel care includes watering newly planted shrubs
deeply once every week or two. A monthly watering is enough for established
plants.
When to prune silk tassel is another aspect of its care. Although silk tassel shrubs rarely need pruning, early spring is the best time. Give the plant a light trim after flowering when the silk tassel flowers begin to look ragged, but before new growth emerges in spring.