Cleyera japonica, commonly known as Japanese Cleyera, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the understory of warm temperate forests in Japan, Korea, and China. It typically reaches a height of up to 10 meters (33 feet) and is noted for its dense, rounded form. The leaves are 6–10 cm long, smooth, oval, leathery, and glossy, with a dark green upper surface and a paler, yellowish-green underside. The bark is dark reddish-brown and smooth, adding to the plant’s visual interest. From late spring to early summer, Japanese Cleyera produces small, fragrant, cream-white flowers that are somewhat showy due to their abundance. These are followed by ornamental berries that mature from red to black, providing seasonal interest and attracting wildlife.

Japanese Cleyera is valued for its elegant appearance, with its glossy foliage providing year-round interest. It is a versatile plant used in urban settings, as a hedge or screen, and in mixed borders due to its ease of maintenance and moderate growth rate. It thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and prefers well-drained soils with consistent moisture. While generally pest and disease resistant, it can occasionally suffer from leaf spot or root rot if conditions are too wet. Gardeners should be aware that it may require pruning to maintain a desired shape and size.CC BY-SA 4.0