About
Usually an epiphyte or a tree in the wild and may grow up to 10m or more, but in cultivation is usually a slow-growing shrub to 3m; it has aromatic bark, spirally arranged, long-stalked, evergreen leaves up to 12cm long, which are tapered, obovate, leathery, glossy, lime green or olive-green, with scalloped margins, and racemes up to 12cm long of 10-20 or more lime green flowers, 2cm across, which have no petals but numerous stamens radiating from central green discs, in late spring and early summer.
About the genus
Trochodendron is an evergreen shrub or tree which can reach a height of around 20m. Leaves are leathery dark green with yellowish-green flowers. The flowers have no petals but around 40 to 70 stamens instead. The fruit they produce is woody and star-shaped.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toJapan, Taiwan
FragranceBark
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade, and with shelter from cold, drying winds, for example in a woodland garden
PruningNo pruning required or Pruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs)
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free