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LYCIUM barbarum
Commonly known as Chinese box thorn, Goji berry, Wolfberry

Excellent for coastal exposure, this vigorous shrub has scrambling spiny stems. Funnel-shaped purple flowers are followed by egg-shaped orange berries
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes - Click to close
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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BerriesThese plants have berries.Edible.
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Good to know
The 21st. century superfruit (scientifically unsupported) Goji berry. Wildlife plant - birds -
Pests & Diseases
None -
Place of origin
China. Introduced by the Duke of Argyll in the 1730's. Grows wild in Suffolk. -
DeciduousNarrowly oblong-lance-shaped, elliptic or oval mid-green to grey-green leaves to 6cm (2½in) long.
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Yellow
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BorderSuitable for a shrub border
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Coastal / windswept
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Fully hardy
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Entire
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Elliptic
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Oblanceolate
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Height
3.5m (11½ft) or more -
Spread
5m (16ft) or more -
FruitPlants which produce an edible or ornamental fruitEdible berries, which can be dried and eaten later in the year
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HedgeIdeal for hedging
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Tall ShrubVigorous, variable, erect or wide-spreading shrub. Long, arching branches. Produces flowers in small clusters followed by fruits to 2cm (¾in) long.
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Zero Rated ItemNo VAT on this plant
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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.
For erect shrubs -
Pruning group 6
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs or climbers that need little to no pruning.
Action: Trim back shoots that spoil symmetry and to fit available space.
When: Annually after flowering if on previous year's growth, or in later Winter or Spring if flowering on current year's growth, or as requires.
For scandent shrubs -
Hardy - cold winter
Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) -
Summer Seasonal Interest
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Well drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soil
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Full sun
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Bee friendly
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Mature Size3.5m (11½ft) or more
5m (16ft) or more
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Lycium barbarum - Growing Guide