Firmiana simplex
Chinese parasol tree, Phoenix tree, Chinese bottle tree, Wu tree, Japanese varnish tree
Also known as Firmiana platanifolia, Sterculia platanifolia
- Height × spread
- 15m × 9m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a handsome tree, though only suitable for mild locations that are frost free all year. It has very large lobed leaves, held horizontally and produces clustered heads of small yellow flowers in summer, followed by lobed fruits. Its bark is smooth with greenish tints. It enjoys warm summers and dry but cool winters. In China it is grown as a street tree in Beijing.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Green
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 15m
- Spread
- 9m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- 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-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
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.