• Foundation
• Screen
• Fast-growing Hedge

• Category: Trees & Shrubs
• Hardiness Zone: 8b
• Height: 10-15 Feet
• Spread: 10-15 Feet
• Spacing: 4-5 feet

Shiny Xylosma is a fast-growing evergreen shrub native to southern China and Southeast Asia. It is widely used in Texas landscapes for its dense habit and glossy, dark green foliage, which gives it a clean, polished look year-round. While it is not a Texas native, it has proven to be a reliable structural shrub in warmer regions of the state.

In Central and South Texas, Shiny Xylosma performs best in full sun to part shade, with some protection from intense afternoon sun in hotter locations. It adapts to a wide range of soil types, including alkaline soils common in Texas, as long as drainage is adequate. Once established, it has good drought tolerance, though regular irrigation helps maintain fuller growth and better color. Poor drainage or prolonged wet conditions should be avoided.

Xylosma is most often used as a clipped hedge, screen, or informal barrier, and it responds extremely well to pruning. Mature plants typically reach 10–15 feet tall and wide, but can be kept much smaller with routine shearing. Spacing for hedges is generally 4–5 feet apart for a dense, uniform screen. Deer tend to avoid Xylosma, making it a good option in areas with browsing pressure. The plant has small spines along its branches, which also make it effective as a deterrent hedge.

The foliage and berries of Shiny Xylosma are considered mildly toxic if ingested, particularly to pets or livestock. While issues are uncommon in managed landscapes, it should be planted thoughtfully in areas where animals may have access. Xylosma is cold hardy into the low 20s, but young plants may experience leaf burn during hard freezes. Temporary cover and planting in protected locations can help reduce winter damage in colder parts of Central Texas.