Flueggea suffruiticosa is a rare shrub in gardens that is interesting, but not spectacular, until fall when it turns a beautiful golden color. It is quite architectural, presenting a weeping habit. This shrub is grown for its leaves, small size and overall shape. The flowers are insignificant, but the fruit capsules are interesting as they dangle from the branches. It is dioecious, producing both male and female plants. Female flowers are single and male flowers are in clusters. Buying a male plant would ensure no self-seeding, but I am not sure named male cultivars are available. Mine was grown from seed and is female. Self-seeding has not been a problem.
It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese herbalism, and is reported to cure a number of ailments including contusions, paralysis and neurasthemia. The plant does contain securinine, a central nervous system stimulant.
Flueggea suffruiticosa
(FLOO-gee-a suf-roo-tee-KO-sa)
Life Cycle: shrub
Height: 2 m (6 ft)
Bloom Time: summer
Natural Range: China, Russia, Japan, Korea and Mongolia
Habitat: forest margins and slopes
Synonyms: Securinega suffruticosa, Securinega ramiflora, Securinega fluggeoides, Pharnaceum suffruitcosa, Xylophylla ramiflora
Cultivation of Flueggea suffruiticosa:
Light: full sun
Soil: variable
Water: drought tolerant
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3– 8
Propagation: seed, softwood cuttings
Would you sell some seed…or softwood cuttings in Spring? You can contact me on Facebook Messenger
I don’t have either for sale.
I grew a couple of these from seed when I lived in Southwestern ON. One female & one male. The female self-sowed but not prolifically. Both plants took well to pruning. And yes, a lovely fall colour.