Cladrastis sinensis
Chinese yellow wood
Also known as Cladrastis delavayi
- Height × spread
- 15m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A medium-sized tree of some elegance, this is late into leaf. It produces flowers in June or July in fragrant pinkish white vertical flowering panicles about 30cm (12in) high. Small seedpods follow that are about 5cm (2in) long. It makes a broad spreading tree with branches that are outreaching and which arch slightly downwards so there is a softly layered appearance. It has pinnate close packed oblong leaflets which are very smooth looking. The leaves are olive green, grey-green on their underside. From a distance they give the tree a soft, somewhat frothy look. This is a lovely tree, well worth considering if you are looking for something unusual and it is available from a limited number of specialist nurseries.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 15m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter - mid-late · Planting
Prune during dormancy
While dormant, prune the plant to keep it attractive and healthy by removing dead branches, removing branches that cross or rub each other and those which spoil its appearance.
The plant is encouraged to develop a pleasing shape by removing deviant or dead growth. It is much more likely to remain healthy if branches that rub, or can rub each other are removed, since the rubbed spots can be places where disease is introduced.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.