Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
Due to very high order volumes, there is an order limiting system in place at present. Please be aware that courier deliveries can be delayed, due to high volumes.
PERSEA thunbergii
Commonly known as Japanese bay, Machilus
The most striking feature of this dense large leafed evergreen tree is its striking bright red new growth which is splendid in June
Further Reading....
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
-
Evergreen - stalked, inversely lance-shaped or elliptic, pointed leaves 8-15cm (3-6in) long, tapering at the bases, flushed red or bronze when emerging.
-
Yellow - yellow green
-
Height - 10m (33ft)
-
Spread - 6m (20ft)
-
Tall Shrub
-
Tree - broad, tiered branches. Produces yellow-green, star-shaped flowers followed by purple fruits
-
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 - sheltered position
-
Partial shade - light, dappled shade
-
Additional Features - Good to know - - only suitable for mild areas. Syn. Machilus thunbergii
-
Pests & Diseases - Phytophthora root rot
-
Place of origin - southern Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China
-
Flower Shape - Panicles - - many-flowered panicles 5-12cm (2-4¾in) long
-
Star-shaped
-
Hardiness - Half hardy (down to 0) -
-
Scented Plants - Scented flowers -
-
Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil - - humus-rich
-
Neutral to acid soil
-
Tree Shape - Rounded to broadly columnar -
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Persea - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Checking ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
10m (33ft)
|
![]() |
![]() |
6m (20ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50