Rhamnus alaternus aka Mediterranean Buckthorn
Taxonomy
Rhamnus alaternus, also known as Italian buckthorn or Mediterranean buckthorn, is a hardy medium-sized evergreen shrub in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae. This large, bushy shrub features small, leathery, ovate leaves that are greyish-green with creamy-white margins. It is a great plant for border decoration or house/table decorations due to its attractive cream-striped leaves. Additionally, the shrub produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in late spring that turn into small red berries, which are a favorite of birds. Native to the Mediterranean coast, Italian buckthorn can grow up to 3 feet tall and between 14 inches to 3 feet wide, depending on pruning. While it grows fast and provides excellent border coverage, regular pruning is necessary to prevent it from overpowering the garden.
Common names
Mediterranean Buckthorn, Italian Buckthorn, Blow Fly Bush, Alaternus, Barren PrivetHow to care for Mediterranean Buckthorn
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Mediterranean Buckthorn is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Mediterranean Buckthorn should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Mediterranean Buckthorn prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Mediterranean Buckthorn plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Mediterranean Buckthorn has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Mediterranean Buckthorn’s native range is S. Europe.
More info:
Wikipedia
