Buckthorn
Rhamnus alaternus · Rhamnaceae
📷 Giuseppe Frizzi · Public domain
⚠️ Baies toxiques par ingestion chez tous. Chiens/chats risquent troubles digestifs et purgatifs; enfants nausées, vomissements.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around buckthorn and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green
- Flowering
- March to April, discreet yellow-green flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -10 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, tolerates chalky soils
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Install it in a rock garden or very well-drained soil. Minimal watering once established, even in summer: it's its nature.
The common mistake
Regular watering or planting in water-retentive soil causes slow root rot, then rapid decline.
The pro's trick
Plant on a mound of fine gravel: perfect drainage and soil warmth boost vigor and foliage density.
Care
Light Exposure
Italian Buckthorn thrives in full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It also tolerates partial shade, but flowering and foliage density will be less abundant. Choose a location sheltered from strong winds to preserve its elegant shape.
Watering
Once established, Italian Buckthorn is very drought-tolerant and requires little watering. Water regularly during the first year after planting to promote root establishment. In dry summer periods, occasional watering is sufficient; in a Mediterranean dry climate, it thrives on natural rainfall alone.
Soil and Preparation
Italian Buckthorn adapts well to chalky soils and is not demanding. Ensure good drainage to prevent root suffocation. Adding organic matter at planting improves establishment. Poor soils are not an obstacle to its growth.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering (May) to maintain a compact and airy shape. Remove dead or diseased branches at any time of year. Severe pruning is well tolerated and allows you to rejuvenate old shrubs. Avoid pruning in late autumn to reduce the risk of frost damage on new shoots.
Fertilizing
Italian Buckthorn is undemanding and often thrives on the soil's natural resources. A balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient to support growth. In very poor soils, an annual application of compost or organic fertilizer can improve overall vigor.
Pests and Diseases
Italian Buckthorn is generally resistant to common diseases. In very humid conditions, watch for risks of root rot or leaf fungi. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent most problems. Few phytosanitary interventions are usually necessary.
Did you know?
Italian Buckthorn is a Mediterranean shrub historically used as a boundary hedge and windbreak in dry regions. Its evergreen foliage made it a valuable ally in Mediterranean gardens since antiquity. The plant produces small fruits (drupes) that feed birds, making it an excellent ecological choice for supporting local wildlife.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.