Contents
Description
Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana, also known as Hemsley’s Sweetheart Spicebush, is a rare and beautiful plant belonging to the Lauraceae family. This evergreen shrub is native to China and has an upright growth habit, reaching up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Its leaves are glossy and oblong, measuring 5-10 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. In late winter and early spring, this plant produces clusters of small, yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance, followed by red berries in the summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Lindera |
| Species | Pulcherrima |
| Variety | Hemsleyana |
Appearance
The leaves of Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana are glossy, oblong, and measure 5-10 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. They are dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the underside. The flowers are small, yellow, and fragrant, appearing in clusters in late winter and early spring. The fruit is a red berry that appears in the summer and fall. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color.
Care Guide
Water: This plant prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana prefers partial shade to full shade.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana is relatively pest and disease resistant, but can be susceptible to scale insects and fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, ensure proper watering and avoid overcrowding.
Habitat
Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana is native to China and can be found in forests, along streams, and on mountain slopes. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana easy to grow?
A: This plant can be somewhat challenging to grow, as it requires consistent moisture and shade.
Q: Can Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with adequate moisture and shade.
Q: Does Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana attract wildlife?
A: Yes, this plant is attractive to birds and other wildlife due to its berries.
Q: How often should Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana be fertilized?
A: Fertilize this plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Lindera aggregata
- Lindera benzoin
- Lindera obtusiloba
- Lindera strychnifolia
References
- “Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed April 12, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n790.
- “Lindera Pulcherrima Var. Hemsleyana.” Plant Delights Nursery. Accessed April 12, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/lindera-pulcherrima-var-hemsleyana.
- “Sweetheart Spicebush.” Gardenia.net. Accessed April 12, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/lindera-pulcherrima-hemsleyana-sweetheart-spicebush.
