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Northwest Blooms · Shrubs

Rhamnus alaternus ‘Argentiovariegata’

Italian Buckthorn

Rhamnus alaternus ‘Argentiovariegata’
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.