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Italian Buckthorn

Rhamnus Alaternus

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Overview

The Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) is an evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded habit, typically reaching 5-6 feet in height, though it can grow up to 10 feet. Its glossy leaves and modest yellow flowers blend well with other plants. It tolerates pruning and shaping, making it an excellent choice for hedges or topiary. Thriving in USDA Zones 7-10, it prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts to various soil conditions.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 7–10Type ShrubClimate Mediterranean

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Rhamnaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (82)

Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — inconspicuous green-yellowish flowers; shrub for full or half
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — For optimal growth and form, offer occasional trimming, which it tolerates well; an annual general-purpose fertilizer
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — Rhamnus alaternus is also drought-tolerant once established; thriving in USDA Zones 7-10, it prefers full sun to
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — typically reaching 5-6 feet in height; making it an excellent choice for hedging
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — inconspicuous green-yellowish flowers; shrub for full or half, image 57
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — This robust shrub typically achieves a height of 10 to 20 feet with a similar spread; the Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — typically reaching 5-6 feet in height; making it an excellent choice for hedging, image 46
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — adding to its low-maintenance profile
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — Its glossy leaves and modest yellow flowers blend well with other plants; though it can grow up to 10 feet, image 48
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — contributing an enduring visual appeal to the garden aesthetic
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — demonstrating adaptability to a range of soil types; scientifically referred to as Rhamnus alaternus
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — contributing an enduring visual appeal to the garden aesthetic; provided they are well-draining
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — scientifically referred to as Rhamnus alaternus; typically reaching 5-6 feet in height, image 51
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — scientifically referred to as Rhamnus alaternus; typically reaching 5-6 feet in height
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — adding to its low-maintenance profile; inconspicuous green-yellowish flowers
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — shrub for full or half; for optimal growth and form, offer occasional trimming, which it tolerates well
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — The Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) is an evergreen shrub with a dense
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — is an elegant and versatile evergreen shrub ideally incorporated into landscape designs for its dense
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — making it an excellent choice for hedging
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — dark green foliage and architectural form; while it basks in full sun to partial shade
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — though it can grow up to 10 feet; adding to its low-maintenance profile
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — provided they are well-draining; demonstrating adaptability to a range of soil types, image 59
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — demonstrating adaptability to a range of soil types; scientifically referred to as Rhamnus alaternus, image 58
Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus Alaternus) — though it can grow up to 10 feet; adding to its low-maintenance profile, image 47
Photographs by 11 contributors

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