Species Chinese neillia
Magenta-white flower with magenta buds and petiole, green leaves and brown stems.

Chinese neillia

Neillia sinensis

Chinese neillia (Neillia sinensis) is a perennial evergreen shrub native to different provinces of China. It has highly aromatic leaves with small white flowers which bloom from late spring to autumn. The fruits are red and fleshy. The shrub grows in altitude high mountainous regions and prefers moisture and sunny environment. It tolerates drought and poor soils well. Chinese neillia is used in traditional medicine and in landscaping for its interesting fragrance and year-round evergreen foliage. It is also suitable for rock gardens and is admired for its ornamental value.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

White to pale pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Chinese neillia should be watered regularly throughout the growing season. During the summer months, water once or twice a week. In the spring, water every 2 or 3 days. In the fall, water every other day. During the winter, water only once every 2 weeks. Water less in areas with heavy rainfall and more in areas with low rainfall. Make sure the soil is kept moist but not soggy. If the leaves appear wilted, increase the frequency of watering.

sunlight

Chinese neillia (Neillia sinensis) is a plant species that prefers plenty of sunlight. At least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight should be given each day. This should be provided consistently during the spring and summer months when the temperatures are warmer. In the fall and winter months, some shade may be beneficial in order to keep the plant healthy. The best time for the plant to receive sunlight would be when the sun is highest in the sky, typically between 10am and 4pm.

pruning

Chinese neillia (Neillia sinensis) should generally be pruned in the early spring (around late March or early April). The goal should be to keep the plant compact and full, and it should also be pruned to prevent the growth of lateral branches. Generally, pruning should be done to remove about 1/3 of the old, overgrown branches and shoots. This should help the plant focus more of it growth to the new growth, resulting in a more full and compact plant. Additionally, if the plant is too tall or has too many branches, selective pruning may be necessary to shorten it.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Chinese neillia typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map