Lyonothamnus floribundus var. aspleniifolius
Catalina ironwood
- Height × spread
- 10m × 6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This rare and attractive tree is found growing on islands off the coast of California. There is also a fine specimen growing outside the Princess of Wales greenhouse at Kew. It is a pretty tree having fine pinnate foliage that is feathery in effect. The leaves are individually slender oblong with rucked toothy edges. They are a glossy olive green on their upper surface and white on the underside. There are clusters of small white flowers during May and June. These tend to be confined to the upper parts of the tree so may not be readily visible in a well grown specimen. It has peeling bark, coloured reddish brown. The foliage moves attractively in the breezes. Unfortunately it is rather tender and is only suited to the mildest of sites. A previous tree at Kew did not survive bad weather in the 1920's. It is likely to reach around 10m (33ft) in height, if happy, with a 6m (20ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 6m
- Spread in 10 years
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Mediterranean garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.