Davidia involucrata
handkerchief tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with bright green, broadly ovate leaves to 15cm in length. Flowers very small, in rounded heads 2cm in width, held within a pair of creamy-white, ovate bracts to 20cm in length
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Brown Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Nyssaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Davidia is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with ovate leaves and small, dark green flower-clusters each subtended by two large white bracts and followed by ovoid greenish-brown fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SC & SE China
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in a sheltered position in sun or partial shade, but young specimens may not flower
Propagation
Propagate by seed or hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.