About
In spring and early summer it produces a profusion of scented, pale lilac, star-shaped flowers in loose, arching clusters; these are followed by ovoid, yellow fruit to 1cm long. A fast-growing, many-branched deciduous tree, up to 15m tall in its native warm temperate India and China, but much shorter in height in the UK where it will be generally pot-grown. The pinnate leaves are composed of numerous glossy, ovate leaflets. It is, however, unlikey to flower or fruit when grown as a conservatory specimen.
About the genus
Melia includes herbaceous and sometimes woody species grown for their ornamental merit. The genus is represented in gardens by selected species and cultivars suited to a range of growing conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
Native toN. India, China
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 1; plants under glass may require restrictive pruning
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in spring, or root softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free