Maytenus boaria
Maytens, Maiten
- Height × spread
- 15m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a large shrub or small tree. It is a very slender, graceful plant with arching branches and narrow, fine toothed leaves which are shiny and pale-green. There are inconsequential flowers. It can reach around 20m (65ft) in the wild with a rounded crown. It is considered tender but specimens grow in a quite open site at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire and at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Seemingly, the foliage is loved by cattle. The bark starts to flake when the tree reaches maturity and shows some orange tints.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Orange
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 15m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2.5m
- Season of interest
- Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
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.