Japanese Buckthorn Plant Care

Japanese Buckthorn (Rhamnus japonica) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Rhamnus genus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Japanese Buckthorn 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.

Japanese Buckthorn thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Japanese Buckthorn 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.

Japanese Buckthorn 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.

Japanese Buckthorn 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 Japanese Buckthorn 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.

Japanese Buckthorn 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.

Japanese Buckthorn can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alder buckthorn plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Japanese Buckthorn 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.

Japanese Buckthorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Japanese Buckthorn as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.