Description

Sweetshade (Hymenosporum flavum) is an upright, evergreen tree that tops out at 50' with a spread of 20'. This tree prefers to be planted in well-drained soil, but it does like to receive supplemental water, which should be kept in mind when choosing its placement and irrigation in the garden to avoid over-irrigating neighboring species. It tolerates coastal conditions, and its fragrant yellow flowers attract birds and bees. This tree typically has just one single trunk and takes on the shape of a classic street tree. If it is planted in a California-friendly garden, it should be deep-root watered a few times during the hottest months of the year. Fruit develops after the blooms. To keep maintenance low, the tree should be planted away from hardscape with room for the fruit to fall and be absorbed into the soil. This tree may require thinning out every few years, which is best performed by a licensed arborist. This tree should be planted at least three feet away from any hardscape areas, eight feet from structures such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about two feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.