Fall Shipping Notice
Fall is one of the best times to plant. As temperatures cool, plants naturally begin entering dormancy. Depending on the variety, your plant may arrive with fall color, partial leaf drop, or bare stems. This is normal seasonal behavior and does not mean the plant is unhealthy.
Fall planting gives roots time to establish while the soil is still warm, helping plants get a stronger start when new growth begins in spring.
Cleyera japonica
Regular price
$79.99
Zone Map
Plant Factory Direct
Cleyera japonica
Description
Cleyera japonica — The Premier Evergreen Hedge Shrub
BEST VALUE: Premium 3 Gallon — Landscape Ready
Our nursery grown 3 Gallon Cleyera japonica is a finished, landscape-ready specimen — the same size professionals choose for instant structure, faster establishment, and a hedge that looks great from day one. Skip the wait. Plant it, water it, watch it thrive.
Our nursery grown 3 Gallon Cleyera japonica is a finished, landscape-ready specimen — the same size professionals choose for instant structure, faster establishment, and a hedge that looks great from day one. Skip the wait. Plant it, water it, watch it thrive.
FILL MY BOX & SAVE
Buy 1 Cleyera japonica = Regular price
Buy 2 = Save 15% automatically at checkout
Savings apply automatically — no code needed.
Buy 1 Cleyera japonica = Regular price
Buy 2 = Save 15% automatically at checkout
Savings apply automatically — no code needed.
Why Cleyera japonica Is Trending in Gardens Today
- One of the most requested low-maintenance evergreen hedges in the South and Mid-Atlantic
- Deer resistant, heat and cold tolerant — built for real-world landscapes
- Stunning bronze-red new growth transforms to rich, glossy dark green at maturity
- Dense habit screens views, defines property lines, and frames structures beautifully
- Blooms creamy-white in late spring with a light, pleasant fragrance
What This Plant Does For You
Imagine a backyard boundary that stays green through winter, requires almost no trimming, and looks like it was installed by a professional landscaper. That is exactly what Cleyera japonica delivers. Whether you are replacing a tired fence line, creating a private outdoor retreat, or adding four-season structure to a foundation planting, this shrub handles the job without constant attention. Its ability to withstand summer heat, brief cold snaps, and dry spells means fewer emergency waterings and more time enjoying your garden.
Plant Highlights
- Container Size: 3 Gallon — Landscape Ready | 1 Gallon — Starter
- Botanical Name: Cleyera japonica
- Type: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
- Mature Size: 10–15 ft tall x 8–10 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Bloom: Creamy white, late spring to early summer
- Foliage: Glossy dark green with bronze-red new growth
- Hardiness Zones: 6–9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates a range of soil types
- Special Traits: Deer resistant, drought tolerant, heat tolerant, salt tolerant, pollinator friendly
Add your 3 Gallon Landscape Ready plants to your cart above.
Premium Features & Solutions
Cleyera japonica solves the most common landscaping headaches in one plant. Its naturally dense, upright-to-arching habit creates a tight screen without aggressive growth that requires constant shearing. The deep glossy foliage holds color through Zone 6 winters and resists the browning that plagues other evergreens in summer heat. Because deer largely ignore it, your hedge stays intact even in high-pressure wildlife areas. Salt tolerance makes it a go-to for coastal landscapes and roadside plantings where road spray is a concern.
Choose Your Size: The 1 Gallon is an excellent value starter — same proven genetics, same nursery quality, with a smaller initial investment. The 3 Gallon is the landscape-ready choice: a finished, fuller specimen with an established root system that puts on size faster and delivers immediate visual impact in your design.
Smart Growing Guide
Beginner — Step-by-Step
- Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and room for the plant to reach its mature size.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the container but no deeper than the root ball.
- Set the root ball so the top sits just at or slightly above ground level.
- Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water deeply right after planting.
- Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stem.
- Water every 2–3 days for the first few weeks, then taper to once a week through the first growing season.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer.
- Light shaping after blooming in late spring or early summer is all the pruning it needs.
Advanced — Optimization Tips
- For hedge installation, space 3 Gallon plants 3–4 ft on center for a solid screen within 2–3 seasons. Space to 5 ft for a more open, naturalistic form.
- Amend clay soils with pine bark fines or coarse compost to improve drainage and mimic the acidic, organic-rich conditions Cleyera prefers.
- Target soil pH of 5.5–6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake and foliage color.
- Use a slow-release fertilizer with an acidifying effect (e.g., Holly-tone or a 12-6-6 formulation) each spring and a half-dose in early fall in Zones 7–9.
- Hard renovation pruning (cutting back by one-third) is tolerated in early spring before new growth flushes, and stimulates dense regrowth.
- In Zone 6, site plants in a location with wind protection and apply extra mulch in late fall to insulate roots through extreme cold events.
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
- Plant in a staggered double row for the fastest, most opaque privacy screen.
- Pair with Loropetalum or Otto Luyken Laurel for a layered hedge with multi-season color contrast.
- Water deeply and infrequently once established — this builds a deep root system far more drought-resilient than frequent shallow watering.
- Bronze new growth in spring is normal and one of the most attractive features; do not prune it off.
- In the first summer after planting, shade cloth or extra watering during heat waves above 95°F accelerates establishment significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 1 Gallon and the 3 Gallon Landscape Ready?
The 1 Gallon is a vigorous starter plant with the same genetics and nursery quality — ideal for budget-conscious buyers willing to wait a season or two for full impact. The 3 Gallon is a finished, mature-looking specimen with a larger root mass that establishes faster and delivers immediate presence in the landscape. Landscapers and homeowners who want results now choose the 3 Gallon.
How fast does Cleyera japonica grow?
Moderate — typically 1–2 ft per year in ideal conditions. Full sun, consistently moist but well-drained soil, and a spring fertilizer application maximize growth rate. In shadier or drier sites, expect slower, more compact growth.
What size does it reach at maturity?
Generally 10–15 ft tall and 8–10 ft wide in landscape conditions. It can be maintained smaller with annual selective pruning, or allowed to take on a small tree-like form over many years.
How far apart do I plant Cleyera for a hedge?
For a dense privacy screen, space 3–4 ft on center. For looser groupings or mass plantings with defined individual forms, 5–8 ft spacing works well. Tighter spacing means faster enclosure but more competition for water early on.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes. The tough, glossy foliage is generally ignored by deer, making it a reliable choice for landscapes with heavy browsing pressure.
Will it grow in shade?
It tolerates partial shade well and can handle fairly heavy shade, though growth will be slower and the plant less dense. For the best hedge performance, full sun to light partial shade is ideal.
Does it bloom?
Yes — small, creamy-white, lightly fragrant flowers appear in late spring to early summer. They are subtle but beautiful and attractive to pollinators.
How do I use the Fill My Box savings?
Simply add 2, 4, or 6 plants to your cart. Discounts apply automatically at checkout — 15% off at 2, 25% off at 4, and 30% off at 6. No code needed.
Is it safe for pets?
No — Cleyera japonica is not considered pet-friendly. Keep pets away from the planting area, especially during establishment when freshly turned soil may attract curious animals.
Can I plant it in a container?
For extended periods, Cleyera japonica is best in the ground due to its eventual size. It can be grown temporarily in a large container (15+ gallons) with regular watering and fertilization, but in-ground planting is strongly recommended for long-term performance.
Take Action Now — Limited Stock on 3 Gallon Landscape Ready
Our nursery grown 3 Gallon Cleyera are ready to ship now. Select your quantity above, save up to 30% with Fill My Box pricing, and get your landscape transformation underway this season.
Our nursery grown 3 Gallon Cleyera are ready to ship now. Select your quantity above, save up to 30% with Fill My Box pricing, and get your landscape transformation underway this season.
Ordering: Processing time is typically 1–3 days after receiving your order. Orders placed after 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday ship the following Monday.
Shipping: Plant Factory Direct uses proven shipping processes to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to plant. Cold and heat holds may be applied at our discretion to protect plant health during extreme weather.
Summer/Winter Shipping Restrictions: Summer holds above 95°F | Winter holds below 34°F.
Note: The images and videos on our site are the best way to show off our products and show how good we are as growers. Depending on the season you buy, you may get a plant that is smaller or bigger than the picture shows. The plant might bloom like it does on our site, but it might not. We cut off the blooms most of the time because they don't ship well. When you buy our plants, think of them as an investment in your future garden, and enjoy the process of seeing it grow to its fullest.