Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhamnus alaternus ‘Argentiovariegata’
Italian Buckthorn

- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Height
- Up to 10 feet
- Width
- Up to 10 feet
- Flower color
- Yellow-green
- Foliage color
- Gray-green with white margins (variegated)
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average to low
- Maintenance
- Low; pruning to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Birds are attracted to the fruits; the plant is deer resistant
About this plant
Italian Buckthorn is an evergreen shrub known for its distinctive variegated foliage and ornamental features. It typically grows to about 10 feet in height and width, forming a rounded shape with a dense, branching habit. The leathery leaves are gray-green with prominent creamy-white margins, adding a bright, eye-catching contrast. In spring, it produces small, yellow-green flowers followed by small red fruits that ripen to glossy black by late summer, attracting birds and wildlife.
This hardy shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, adapts to various soil types, and prefers well-draining soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, with pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Valued for its attractive foliage, colorful fruit, and ease of care, Italian Buckthorn is a popular choice for adding visual interest to gardens, borders, and landscapes.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Phlox · Smoke bush · Red valerian · Blue oat grass · Stonecrop · Daisy bush
Design tip
The creamy-white edges on Italian buckthorn’s gray-green leaves can brighten the garden even when little else is flowering. Red berries add a splash of color in summer before ripening to glossy black, giving the evergreen foliage another season of interest.
