Rhamnus alaternus

Tough and adaptable to drought, heat, wind, and watering, this fast-growing evergreen makes an excellent screen or sheared hedge. S/M-D

This all-too-seldom planted large shrub (to 15') is one of many broadleaf evergreens that once composed large areas of “Laurisilva” forest throughout the Mediterranean region, before it was mostly denuded by millennia of human civilization and development. The ultimate no-care plant, it thrives in sun or part shade; its deep green, glossy leaves always looking great no matter what the weather does in the Pacific Northwest. Unexciting spring flowers result in red fruit that matures to black. It needs average to good drainage and tolerates summer water, but thrives without it. It also makes a great hedge. Hardy to about 5 °F.