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Rhamnus cathartica (Purging buckthorn)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
6m
Max height
Max height
4m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Rhamnus cathartica
Other names
Purging buckthorn, Waythorn, French berry, Rainberry thorn, Rhineberry thorn, Common buckthorn, Common hart's horn, European buckthorn
Genus
Rhamnus Rhamnus
Species
R. cathartica - R. cathartica is a spiny deciduous shrub or small tree. It has rounded, shiny, dark-green leaves and in summer, bears clusters of very small, creamy yellow flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. In autumn, it produces shiny red berries that ripen to black and its foliage yellows.
Rhamnus cathartica is: Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Toxicity
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
Flower
Yellow in Spring; Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Rhamnus cathartica (Purging buckthorn) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grows in most soils in sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Rhamnus cathartica
Other names
Purging buckthorn, Waythorn, French berry, Rainberry thorn, Rhineberry thorn, Common buckthorn, Common hart's horn, European buckthorn
Genus
Rhamnus Rhamnus
Species
R. cathartica - R. cathartica is a spiny deciduous shrub or small tree. It has rounded, shiny, dark-green leaves and in summer, bears clusters of very small, creamy yellow flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. In autumn, it produces shiny red berries that ripen to black and its foliage yellows.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Toxicity
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
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Colour
Flower
Yellow in Spring; Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Rhamnus cathartica (Purging buckthorn) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grows in most soils in sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
GARDENS WITH THIS PLANT
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
By garden designer Kate Savill & Tamara Bridge. Inspired by its home on Falls Farm in Northamptonshire, ‘The Warner Edwards Garden’ reflects the surrounding landscape of the farm. read more
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Rhamnus cathartica
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