About
Poliothyrsis sinensis, the Chinese pearl-bloom tree, is a spreading, deciduous tree to 10 m with grey bark becoming deeply furrowed in maturity. Dark-green, glossy, slender-pointed leaves are held on red stalks, and new growth is bronze-flushed. In mid and late summer, tiny, aromatic, greenish-white flowers are borne in conical clusters to 25 cm long. A beautiful and ornamental specimen tree for a sheltered, sunny garden.
About the genus
Poliothyrsis sinensis is a monotypic deciduous tree grown for its glossy, green foliage providing good autumn colour and conical panicles of small, creamy-yellow, fragrant flowers in summer and autumn.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or take greenwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free