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Japanese Blueberry- (Elaeocarpus Decipiens) Experiences
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Posted by RickB Houston TX (My Page) on Tue, Oct 7, 03 at 21:46
I posted this message in the US Trees forum but only got one response. They suggested I post an inquiry in the Australian forum as they seemed you might have more experience with this species. My USDS hardiness zone is 8b (min -10C more likely -5C in an average winter). AHS heat zone is 9.
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I am looking for trees for some parking lot islands (width is about 12 feet). I am looking for something that does not make too much of a mess,is fairly low maintenance, moderate to fast growing but only to 20-30 feet (or can be kept at that height by pruning) and ideally is evergreen.
I ran across a tree I had not seen before at the nursery yesterday while searching for trees to fit my purpose. It was labeled Japanese Blueberry (Elaeocarpus decipiens). They had 15-20 of them (15 gal). Their appearence was very nice. Does anyone have first hand experience with this tree? I couldnt even find it in my large standard reference books (AHS Encyclopedia, Botanica).
Specifcally I am concerned about hardiness (I live right on the edge of Zone 8/9 (South Central Texas), and how much of a mess its berries might make. I searched on Google and found a few references. Most notably, Monrovia carried it and labeled it hardy to Zone 8. They also indicated it had berries (and flowers) but that the berries would not stain sidewalks. Based on that, and what I saw of its appearence, I am leaning towards buying 4 of these. Any comments?... Other choices I was considering were Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta') & Wax Myrtle (seems pretty boring to me). Thanks
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Japanese Blueberry- (Elaeocarpus Decipiens) Experie
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| My neighbor planted five Japanese Blueberries on our property line as a visual screen about 1 1/2 years ago. They have doubled their height in that time (originally they were about 5-6 feet high). They are absolutely beautiful tree/shrubs, though we haven't seen any berries or blooms yet. Nor have we had a freeze in Houston yet. That's all I know. |
RE: Japanese Blueberry- (Elaeocarpus Decipiens) Experie
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| May be a bit large for your requirements...although if you want to keep pruning, could do. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Info
RE: Japanese Blueberry- (Elaeocarpus Decipiens) Experie
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I am a landscape architect in Miami. I just recently planted one in my home-200 Gallons- 18'-20' x 12' spread.
It looks beautifull. I also used it on a project of mine in Miami Beach on the Bay side. It can take some salt spray.
I have been assured by nursery growers that the tree being from Japan can take that salt spray but not directly from the strong winds and continuous salt spray from the ocean side.
What I dont know is how aggresive are the roots. However, oaks, mahogany trees have aggresive roots and they are being planted in 6' wide parking island here. This is wrong and I don't use these large trees for small islands. In your case 12' wide island seems ideal for the elaeocarpus. You will love it. For me here in Miami I have a diversity of trees that I can use for parking lots. I would use this tree more as accent or to line up a roadway or entry feature as long as they are planted 6'-8' from the edge of pavement. I am in Zone 10-11. I hope I was able to help. |
RE: Japanese Blueberry- (Elaeocarpus Decipiens) Experie
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| I planted 30 Japanese Blueberry shrubs around my pool about two months ago. I purchased the plants from a nursery that I trust and they recommended this plant as a privacy screen and tolerant of desert sun and heat. I amended the soil per their instructions and about two weeks after planting the shrubs went into shock and started shedding dramatically. They are slowly sprouting new leaves but I'm wondering if there is something else I can do. How do I know if I'm over watering, under watering, ect; The temps here are still below 90 but the heat is coming!!!! |
RE: Japanese Blueberry- (Elaeocarpus Decipiens) Experie
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| The Japanese Blueberry trees are FABULOUS! I do not know much about their root system, but I believe it is similar to a hearty shrub such as a wax leaf. The tree sheds a few leaves in the fall and early spring. We planted 5(15 gallon) along our brick fence in the back yard 4 yrs ago for privacy & noise from a nearby strip mall.The trees are now over 20FT and very healthy. The berries did not appear for 2+ yrs. We have been unable to find them in the Houston area since 2004. Luckily, some berries fell in potted plants under the trees and we have 3 nice sprouts we are raising to complete the perimeter of the fence. We highly recommend this species & have not had problems with disease. The berries do not stain, however, we do not know if they are poisonous to animals/humans. |
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