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PERSEA thunbergii
Commonly known as Japanese bay, Machilus
(syn. Machilus thunbergii). 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....
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EvergreenStalked, inversely lance-shaped or elliptic, pointed leaves 8-15cm (3-6in) long, tapering at the bases, flushed red or bronze when emerging.
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YellowYellow green
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Height10m (33ft)
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Spread6m (20ft)
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Tall Shrub
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TreeBroad, tiered branches. Produces yellow-green, star-shaped flowers followed by purple fruits
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winterHardy 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)
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Full sunSheltered position
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Partial shadeLight, dappled shade
PERSEA thunbergii
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowOnly suitable for mild areas. Syn. Machilus thunbergiiPests & DiseasesPhytophthora root rotPlace of originSouthern Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China
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Flower ShapePaniclesMany-flowered panicles 5-12cm (2-4¾in) longStar-shaped
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HardinessHalf hardy (down to 0)
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeLanceolate
(see photos above) -
Scented PlantsScented flowers
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilHumus-richNeutral to acid soil
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Tree ShapeRounded to broadly columnar
Jan
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Mar
Apr
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Jun
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Aug
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Persea - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- 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)
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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