CINNAMOMUM camphora

Evergreen - narrow, oval, boldly-veined, glossy leaves to 10cm (4in), red-tinted when young, then rich-green.

Height - 20m (70ft)

Spread - 5-8m (15-25ft)

Tree - erect to spreading habit. Flowers are small, bowl-shaped and borne in clusters 5-7cm (2-3in) across followed by black berries.

Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)

Full sun

Partial shade

Additional Features - Medicinal properties - - fleshy fruit is grown for its spicy flavouring and used in traditional medicine. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy.

Pests & Diseases - scale insects under glass.

Place of origin - tropical areas of eastern and southeastern Asia.

Garden Location/Conditions - Greenhouse / conservatory - Not the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winter - loam based compost, plenty of light but shade from hot sun.

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Pruning group - Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

RHS group 1

Scented Plants - Scented foliage -

Seasonal Interest - Spring -

Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil -

Tree Shape - Broadly columnar -