Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Paliurus spina-christi or Jerusalem thorn

The genus Paliurus, family Rhamnaceae, comprises 8 species of shrubs and trees native to Asia, the Mediterranean region, Europe and North Africa. Some species are: Paliurus spina-christi, Paliurus orientalis, Paliurus ramosissimus, Paliurus hemsleyanus.

Common names: Jerusalem thorn, Garland thorn, Christ's thorn, Crown of thorns. This species is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia.

They are shrubs or deciduous trees with zigzag branches that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are bright green in color and oval in shape, with a finely serrated margin, spines at the base and three very marked veins. They produce small scented yellow flowers. They bloom in spring. The fruits are samaras.

These slow-growing plants are used as isolated specimens, to form screens, and for informal hedges.

Paliurus spina-christi grows in semi-shade or direct sun exposures. They resist the Mediterranean summer and occasional frosts very well.

They can grow in alkaline, poor, sandy or clay soils; use a normal garden substrate with coarse sand and organic matter.

Water moderately all year long waiting for the substrate to dry.

Fertilize in early spring with compost or manure.

Prune in late winter to keep it compact.

They are shrubs resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings in summer or spring.

Images of the shrub Paliurus spina-christi or Jerusalem thorn