Overview

Firmiana simplex is a plant with a fast-growing, upright tree habit in the genus Firmiana, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous, large, palmate leaves foliage. It typically grows around 16 metres tall. Firmiana simplex grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen tree and shade tree.

About

Firmiana simplex, commonly known as the Chinese parasol tree, or wutong, is a tree in the family Malvaceae, formerly in the family Sterculiaceae, in the order Malvales, and native to Asia. It grows up to 16 m (52 ft) tall.

About the genus

Firmiana is a genus of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae, native to tropical and temperate south, southeast, and Eastern Asia to New Guinea and the southwest Pacific. It was formerly placed in the now defunct family Sterculiaceae and may sometimes be called the "parasol tree". The genus name honours Karl Joseph von Firmian.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Firmiana

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Firmiana simplex size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Fast-growing, upright tree

Foliage

Deciduous, large, palmate leaves

Height

16 metres

Suggested uses

Specimen tree, shade tree

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Firmiana simplex

Propagation

Seed, semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Resistant to common pests

Disease resistance

Resistant to common diseases

Frequently asked questions