About

This medium-sized, deciduous tree, to around 12m in height, with fresh green, broadly ovate leaves with glabrous undersides. The young foliage may be tinged red in spring, as well as the foliage taking on rich red and yellow autumnal hues. The small flowers are held between a pair of conspicuous creamy-white, hankerchief-like, ovate bracts and are followed by greenish-brown elliptic to ovoid fruits in autumn.

About the 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

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toChina

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in a sheltered position in sun or partial shade, but young specimens may not flower
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free