Hovenia dulcis
Japanese raisin tree, Chinese raisin tree, Raisin tree
- Height × spread
- 11m × 8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes an attractive tree with spreading, uplifted branches that carry large leaves on long, slender, reddish stalks. The leaves are heart-shaped, shiny, mid-green and turn rich golden-yellow in the autumn. The flowers are likewise carried on red stalks and are small, yellow and not especially noticeable. After flowering the stalks swell into a curious, irregularly-shaped reddish lump. This is edible and said to be sweet tasting and in fact are chewed by people in its eastern Asian homeland.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow-gold
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 11m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 3.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- 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 during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
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.