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 GB / Ireland
- 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
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