Rhamnus intermedia Plant Care

Rhamnus intermedia (Rhamnus intermedia) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Rhamnus genus. Rhamnus intermedia is native to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia.

Rhamnus intermedia displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Rhamnus intermedia produces small clusters of inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rhamnus intermedia every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Rhamnus intermedia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhamnus intermedia tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Rhamnus intermedia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Rhamnus intermedia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rhamnus intermedia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rhamnus intermedia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Rhamnus intermedia can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Rhamnus intermedia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Rhamnus intermedia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rhamnus intermedia can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings.

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Rhamnus intermedia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Rhamnus intermedia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Rhamnus intermedia is native to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. In cooler regions, grow Rhamnus intermedia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.