Garrya elliptica

Also known as the Silk Tassel Tree/Bush.

I WANT 1 in my garden NOW David :D Best i make sure i keep an eye open 4 1 :D How old is Yours David?

I don't have one yet! This was in the garden of the castle I visited last Sunday. I'd really like one at the front of the house, and have found a mail order supplier in Scotland. It's amazing, isn't it, for January/February interest? Think of the underplanting you could have also. Take a look at Andrewr's pics and helpful growing tips for this tree.

Doesn't it look amazing ! It looks almost mystical.

Yes, this is definitely on my "wanted" list, Fl.

G. elliptica 'James Roof' has tassels nearly 1ft long! Great traind flat on a wall with tassels 'melting' down plants esp when establishes, or running riot as a huge bush/ tree n a garden i work in. The pollen produces is incredibly and i quite often see clouds of yellow waft by when im working in the garden and there is a breeze! In UK. Can get scorched if its in sun and if its young and it dries out, the nursery where i work, we find it difficult to nurse back as the leaves go dull green and become black spotted and generally looks dead from then on!

Oh, Oh! Is this, perhaps, not one for those with pollen sensitivities/allergies? Although, if it flowers Jan/Feb, is this not an issue, Nicky?

There is a wonderful backpage article in the April 2008 edition of Horticulture Magazine by Jeff Cox. In it he describes falling in love with the Garrya elliptica and so planted one at his home in Sonoma County, CA. He waited 11 years for it to finally bloom. It turned out his Garrya was a cultivar called 'Pat Ballard' which originated in my town, Seattle. I don't know if you can find the article on the web but the magazine's website is www.hortmag.com.

Thank you so much, Sarah65, for taking time to send me this info. I shall definitely look for this article. 100 rhododendrons, eh? I learned from member Harli (also in Seattle) that it is, after all, your State flower/plant. I bought my first rhododendron just yesterday - a small variety called "Dreamland".