Idesia polycarpa
Wonder tree, Ligiri tree
Also known as Polycarpa maximowiczii
- Height × spread
- 12m × 12m
- 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 tree which, if it is male and mature, produces large panicles of yellow-green flowers that have a delicious and spreading lily-like fragrance. The large, broad and somewhat floppy leaves turn a good yellow in the autumn and, with their red stems, make a very satisfying colour combination in autumn. There can also be red berries in autumn. <I>Idesia polycarpa</I> is likened by some to a small catalpa, but it is more suitable for a small garden. In its bare-branched winter state it is a tree of some elegance. It is said that the leaves are edible, but I would not advocate trying.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown, Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, floral-lily
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 12m
- Spread
- 12m
- Height in 10 years
- 6m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- 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 with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
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.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
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.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.