The Mediterranean hackberry is a deciduous tree growing through Southern Europe and the mediterranean. The eventual size and speed of growth will depend on conditions, like any large tree species, deep well drained soils will produce larger trees than shallow soils. This said, it can survive well in less optimal conditions, particularly if it is given some deep summer watering's in the first few years.
Once established, Celtis is drought and frost-tolerant, it can grow to 20 metres in height and, being deciduous, is one of the best summer shade trees around. Native to the region it is good habitat and a food source for wildlife, the berries and foliage are edible.
In Portugal it is used as a street tree, but rarely attains it's full height and form, suffering from seasonal unskilled pruning. Like many street trees, they are 'hacked' back because they don't have the room to grow, resulting in a dense compact crown rather than the natural form - a billowing cloud-like canopy with slightly weeping foliage. There are good examples of both forms (good and bad) on the streets of Loule.
One of many examples of an ancient Celtis australis growing in Silves Castle (Scmmatos, CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Celtis australis European Range |
Giovanni Caudullo, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
We are a plant nursery in the Algarve specialising in dry mediterranean species. We propagate and grow our own stock in conditions they are likely to endure when they are planted out.
We grow plants that are adapted to the dry land conditions in Portugal and southern Spain, both mediterranean perennials and succulents.
We choose plants that require very little water and maintenance. We produce a range of dry land plants that are typical of the worlds mediterranean regions. These are available to order ready for planting in the wetter months of the year. Please order the plants you need and we’ll have them ready at the best time for planting.
To ensure your new plants adapt and establish quickly, we produce them in special anti-spiral root pruning containers and a range of fibre pots (no plastic waste) with our own tried and tested growing media.
Viveiros Jardimseco
Tavira, Algarve
Please note we have no retail outlet or garden centre and are not open to the public. For more information you can contact us here.
Plantas adaptadas à seca - produzimos plantas adaptadas às condições de Portugal e Sul de Espanha, tanto espécies mediterrânicas como suculentas.
Oferecemos uma gama de espécies típicas das zonas climáticas mediterrânicas em todo o mundo.