Garrya elliptica 'Evie'
Evie's Silk Tassel Bush
evergreen shrub
8-12' wide x 8'-12' tall
greenish white flower in winter - spring
striking female and male catkins, which appear on separate plants. The flowers are borne in long, silvery-gray catkins, which dangle like white tassels from December through February. The male catkins are longer and thus more dramatic. They can be 3- to 8 inches in length with cuplike blossoms pale yellow to greenish yellow in color. The female catkins are pale green and shorter, reaching only 2-3 ½ inches long. Both sexes must be present for the female plant to bear its grape-like clusters of round berries, which are densely hairy and become velvety smooth with age; prune immediately after flowering
Sun or part shade. Not fussy about soil type, if well-drained. Considered a good foliage plant, can be grown as a hedge, moderate irrigation needed. Prune immediately after flowering.