Sakaki (Cleyera japonica) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to forests and thickets across Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and throughout Asia, where it can reach towering heights in its wild habitat. In cultivation, this elegant plant grows to 10-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide, displaying lustrous dark green, leathery leaves that recall camellias in their refined appearance. From May through June, it produces fragrant, showy flowers that reward patient gardeners. Hardy in zones 6-9 and thriving in full sun to partial shade with moderate water, Sakaki is a low-maintenance evergreen that brings year-round structure and seasonal fragrance to the landscape.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-9
180in H x 120in W
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Moderate
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Sakaki's simple but striking leathery foliage catches the light beautifully, with leaves reaching 3-4 inches long and displaying a lustrous dark green on top contrasted by a softer pale green underneath. The May-June bloom period brings fragrant, showy flowers to an otherwise handsome evergreen form. Once established, this shrub demonstrates real resilience to drought and thrives in sheltered locations, needing minimal fussing from gardeners who value a plant that settles in and performs without constant attention.
Sakaki is prized as a hedge plant, where its evergreen foliage and moderate growth habit create structure and screening throughout the year. Its tolerance for both full sun and partial shade makes it flexible for different garden situations where other hedge materials might struggle.
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