Overview

Calophyllum is a plant with a tree habit in the genus Calophyllum, part of the Clusiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Calophyllum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include specimen tree and coastal planting.

About

Calophyllum is an evergreen tree in the Clusiaceae grown as a specimen or for coastal planting. It favours a south-facing, sheltered position and performs best in full sun on neutral, loamy, well-drained soil. In the UK it is frost-tender (H1b) and is therefore suited to a conservatory, greenhouse or the warmest, most sheltered outdoor sites. The tree shows garden interest through spring and summer.

About the genus

Calophyllum is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Calophyllaceae. They are mainly distributed in Asia, with some species in Africa, the Americas, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands.

Wikipedia contributors, "Calophyllum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calophyllum

In the garden

Calophyllum is an evergreen tree valued in gardens as a specimen and for planting in coastal schemes where shelter can be provided. As a member of the Clusiaceae it is typically used where an evergreen canopy is required through spring and summer, and it is planted for year-round presence rather than seasonal display. Site and soil are decisive. Choose a south-facing, sheltered aspect in full sun and work a loamy, neutral, free-draining soil to receive the roots; avoid heavy, waterlogged positions. H1b (tender) means plants will not tolerate regular frosts outdoors across much of the UK, so growers commonly keep Calophyllum under glass or in the warmest microclimates — for example a courtyard protected by buildings or a garden sheltered from prevailing winds. In a UK planting scheme treat Calophyllum as a shown-as-specimen: give it room for a single trunk and place it where its evergreen leaves provide screening or a focal point in spring and summer. For coastal projects, site it behind a windbreak or within a lee to combine seaside tolerance with the protection the species needs in cooler winters.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Calophyllum

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1b

Plant details

Calophyllum size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Tree

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Specimen tree, coastal planting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Calophyllum

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

Moderate

Disease resistance

Moderate

Frequently asked questions