Alpine Buckthorn
rhamnus alpina
Also known as: ["Alpen-Honigstrauch","Alpine Honey Bush"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to alpine regions, known for its small, glossy leaves and clusters of small flowers followed by black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Rhamnus |
| Botanical Name: | Rhamnus alpina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine settings, or as a specimen shrub in temperate gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates rocky or poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent leaf scorch; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid frequent shallow watering, and adjust frequency based on season and weather conditions.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates cold winters but requires protection from extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing newly planted specimens.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or coarse sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; focus on structural improvement.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before active growth; remove dead/diseased wood first; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check for root rot; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in temperatures below -20°F (-29°C).
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap or frost cloth in winter; avoid planting in exposed, windy areas.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering or fruiting in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer and fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Rhamnus alpina, particularly from its berries and seeds. The emodin and anthraquinones can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe berries and seeds of Rhamnus alpina are toxic to dogs due to the presence of emodin and other anthraquinones. These compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRhamnus alpina contains emodin and other anthraquinones, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and laxative effects upon ingestion. These compounds can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration if consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rhamnus alpina toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: What are the common problems with Rhamnus alpina?
A: Common issues include leaf spots and wilting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
