Garrya eliptica James Roof

Common Name: Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' – Silk Tassel Bush

Description:
Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', commonly known as the Silk Tassel Bush, is a striking evergreen shrub noted for its spectacular winter display of long, pendulous catkins. These tassel-like flowers can reach up to 30 cm in length and have a silvery-green sheen that gives the plant a dramatic, ornamental look even in the coldest months. Ideal for Melbourne gardens, this variety thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, though it can tolerate coastal exposure and periods of drought once established. Its leathery, wavy-edged foliage provides year-round structure and interest. ‘James Roof’ is particularly valued for its dense growth, making it excellent for screening or as a bold specimen in the landscape. Flowering through winter, it brings seasonal interest and subtle elegance to gardens when most other plants are dormant.

Form:

• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 3–4 m

• Width: 2.5–3.5 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Winter

Flower Colour:

• Silvery-green

• Pale cream

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Hedging

• Suitable for Coastal Gardens

• Drought Tolerant

• Winter Interest

• Evergreen

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Camellia

• Viburnum tinus

• Hellebore

• Mahonia

• Sarcococca