Rhamnus alaternus

Rhamnus alaternus is an evergreen shrub with small fragrant flowers in spring and red berries in summer. It is native to the Mediterranean region, pretty drought-tolerant (Filippi code de secheresse 4 of 6), hardy to -12℃, thrives in sun or shade, and can grow up to 5m high. It can grow in hedges or by itself, has no problem with salt and needs little care.

I’ve planted it on

I’ve planted a variegated cultivar to lighten up a shady corner and a regular cultivar on our slope and I’ve planted it specifically because it is supposed to be THE food plant of Gonepteryx cleopatra, the beautiful lemon-yellow Cleopatra butterfly. Wish me luck!