Xylosma Congestum
“Xylosma congestum” may not ring a bell to many Californians, but chances are, they’ve seen it before along the highway or in commercial spaces as trees and hedges. It’s most easily recognizable by its shiny lime-green leaves that capture the sunlight beautifully.
Why is this East Asian plant a somewhat familiar sight in California? Although it hails from more humid regions, it can tolerate the heat and drought surprisingly well.
Botanical name: Xylosma congesta, xylosma congestum
Other names: Dense longwood, shiny xylosma
Xylosma congestum for sale at our nursery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Xylosma congestum Appearance
Xylosma congestum is an evergreen in warm regions, so you can enjoy its dense and shiny green leaves year-round in the Coachella Valley. It is deciduous in areas that experience colder winters.
Makes for an excellent standalone shade tree or a row of hedge trees. Congestum means “crowded” and refers to the dense foliage of the tree. One common nickname for the tree is “dense longwood.”
The other nickname is “shiny xylosma.” Signature shiny and bright lime-green leaves that are oval with pointy tips.
If left alone, it grows to a beautiful, rounded shape. In the Palm Springs region, it typically grows to about 10-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. In its native habitat, it can grow twice or three times as large.
Tiny, inconspicuous white-yellow flowers followed by dark fruits.
Xylosma congestum Landscaping Tips
Xylosma congestum is a versatile landscaping plant due to its dense leaves and branches.
It is easily pruned and trained to a tall privacy hedge or screen. Never prune more than a third of the plant at once, as this can damage it.
It is used to protect against wind and street noise.
Heat and drought tolerant once mature. Provide regular water to get the tree established.
Water deeply, especially during the summer, to allow the trees to develop deep roots and soak up adequate water.
It performs best if shaded from the afternoon sun in the Coachella Valley.
Xylosma congestum Origin
Xylosma congestum is a tree native to forests in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Xylosma congestum Care
Soil: Loamy soils are best, but not particularly fussy as long as it’s fast-draining. Provide fertilizer at the beginning of spring.
Temperature: Heat and cold tolerant. Can withstand temperatures down to 15º F.
Water: Regular watering during warm temperatures. Allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. Requires less water once established.
Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is best in Palm Springs area
Xylosma congestum is known for its shiny green leaves
Xylosma congestum Problems
Pests: Thrips and whiteflies.
Blast the pests off with water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeated application is necessary to disrupt their life cycles. Do not perform pest control when the temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit since it can burn the leaves of the plant.
Signs of overwatering: Root rot
Signs of too little water: Shriveling leaves
Signs of too much sun: Leaf burn, dry foliage, and leaf drop
Signs of too little sun: Weak stems, stunted growth, leggy growth
Xylosma congestum Propagation
Propagate xylosma congetstum with stem cuttings. Plant cuttings with a few leaves intact in moist soil, preferably in a humid environment. Once it grows taller, keep it staked until it is mature.
FAQ
HOW MUCH DOES Xylosma congestum COST?
At our nursery, Xylosma congestum costs $20 for a 5-gallon container and $75 for a 15-gallon container.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
Is Xylosma congestum evergreen?
Yes. Xylosma congestum is an evergreen that makes for great hedges and shade trees year-round in warm regions.
When should I prune my Shiny xylosma?
Light pruning can be done throughout the year unless the Xylosma congestum is under a lot of stress, such as during very hot or cold weather. If you want to significantly cut back your Xylosma congestum, we recommend late winter or early spring in California.
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | 10-20 feet X 10-15 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | White/Yellow |
| FLOWER SEASON | Spring to Fall |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| WATER | Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Moderate |
| HARDINESS | 15º F, USDA Zone 8 |
| PRUNING | As Needed |