Davidia involucrata
Handkerchief tree, Dove tree, Ghost tree, Gentleman's pocket handkerchief
- Height × spread
- 13m × 8m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is grown for its lovely spring display of seemingly large, white, pendulous flowers. They are actually large, white bracts which surround an insignificant black flower head, but this distinction is for the purist! A good specimen looks as if it is pinned all over with white handkerchiefs, a lovely sight. The flowers have a fresh, charming appearance. The leaves are quite large and give good yellow autumn colour. The autumn fruits are pear-shaped. In spring the young foliage has a spicy, incense scent. Unfortunately, you have to wait about 20 years for it to flower. The tree was originally discovered in central China in 1869. The plant collector, Ernest Wilson, went out in 1899 to collect seeds of this tree and was provided by Dr Augustine Henry with a hand-drawn sketchmap of an area about three times the size of England and Wales within which to search. There was an × marking the spot where Henry had seen the tree! Wilson managed to find Henry's tree but it was nothing but a stump since it had just been felled to make a roof.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Green, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 13m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- 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.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
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.