Other Names:  Australian Cheesewood, Victorian Laurel

Description:

This variety is most often maintained as a large shrub, screen or hedge but can attain tree size; dark green, glossy leaves have wavy margins; fragrant cream flowers in early spring; a shining landscape accent that is fire resistant

Ornamental Features

Victorian Box features showy clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers at the ends of the branches from late winter to early spring. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage. The glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. It features an abundance of magnificent green berries from late spring to mid summer, which fade to orange over time. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Victorian Box is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and hummingbirds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy
• Self-Seeding

Victorian Box is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Victorian Box will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 40 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.