Maackia amurensis var. buergeri
Amur maakia
Also known as Cladrastis amurensis var. buergeri
- Height × spread
- 9m × 6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This unusual, small tree may reach up to 13m (42ft) in the wild. In the garden it is usually smaller and may even be rather shrubby. It has pinnate leaves with long, hairy, matt leaflets, arranged in pairs along a central stem that may be 30cm (12in) in length, held out horizontally. There are white columnar flower-spikes in July and August and, generally, several vertical inflorescences arise from the same point. There is silvery down on the young shoots and the spring foliage, both striking in their season. The appearance of the plant when in flower bears a superficial resemblance to the handsome Mahonia x media forms.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Silver
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 9m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Sensory garden (tactile)
- 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 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.
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
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.