How to Grow Terebinth
Pistacia terebinthus
The terebinth is a handsome, slow-growing deciduous tree or large shrub from the Mediterranean. It opens in spring with striking copper-red new leaves, produces small inconspicuous flowers, and rewards patience with clusters of small red-to-black berries beloved by birds and excellent red-purple autumn colour. Plant in full sun in well-drained, even poor or alkaline soil — it is highly drought-tolerant once established. Provide light formative pruning in the first few years; thereafter it needs almost no care. The distinctive hollow horn-shaped leaf galls are caused by natural aphids and are harmless. An excellent choice for dry, Mediterranean-style gardens.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
No regular feeding needed. On very poor soils, a light balanced feed in early spring is acceptable. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers.
Watch For
- Pistacia gall aphids (Baizongia pistaciae) — natural, causes distinctive horn-shaped leaf galls
- Alternaria leaf spot in wet conditions
- Verticillium wilt on poorly drained soils
Companions
Olive (Olea europaea), Mastic Tree (Pistacia lentiscus), Cistus, Rosemary, Lavender, Cyclamen hederifolium
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; tolerates hot, dry conditions
Requires full sun for best growth and fruiting. Native to open Mediterranean scrubland and rocky hillsides. Tolerates reflected heat and dry, exposed positions.
Watering
Low; very drought-tolerant once established
Young trees need regular watering in the first 1-2 years while roots establish. Once established, highly drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental irrigation. Avoid waterlogging — well-drained soil is essential.
Fertilizing
Not needed on most soils
Thrives on poor, stony, and alkaline soils without fertiliser. A light balanced feed in early spring is acceptable on very poor soils. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes weak growth.
Pruning
Formative pruning only; minimal once established
Prune lightly in the first 3-5 years in late winter to build a clear framework. Once established, remove only dead or crossing branches. Avoid hard pruning — regenerates slowly from old wood.
Spacing
4-5 m between trees
Allow 4-5 m for full crown development. As a large shrub or small tree, spread can reach 3-4 m at maturity.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 400 cm |
| Row spacing | 400 cm |
| Mature height | 500 cm |
| Mature spread | 400 cm |
