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Davidia involucrata (Handkerchief tree)

Other names: Dove tree, Ghost tree, Pocket handkerchief tree

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Species
D. involucrata are mid-sized deciduous trees with red-stemmed, green leaves and striking white bracts surrounding their dark green flowers in late spring. The bark is grey and smooth and the tree bears small smooth brown-green fruits in autumn.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
15 m 12 m 10-20 years
49 ft 39 ft 10-20 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Clay
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Partial Shade
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
  • North
Exposure
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Grow in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Provide shelter from cold winds and late frosts.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree

UK hardiness

H5

USDA zones

Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10

Sunset zone

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Moderate/Medium
Central Valley = Inappropriate
South Coastal = Inappropriate
South Inland = Inappropriate
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Broadly conical

Native to

Southwestern Asia

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Propagation methods

Seed, Hardwood cuttings

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Selective pruning only (only if needed)

Rake up and use fallen leaves to make leafmould

Take hardwood cuttings in autumn and winter

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (1)

Davidia

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Davidia involucrata
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Davidia involucrata Handkerchief tree
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Companion plants (2)

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Hyacinthoides x massartiana
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Hyacinthoides x massartiana Hybrid bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
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Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell
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Related content

Discuss Davidia involucrata with other Shoot members

My Davidia was planted last spring as a 15 foot tree. This year a few of the branches are bare and I have had no flowers or bracts. The leaves are light green with red shading. Is it still settleing in or is it not well.

Julian Grocott
508 0
My Davidia was planted last spring as a 15 foot tree. This year a few of the branches are bare and I have had no flowers or bracts. The leaves are light green with red shading. Is it still settleing in or is it not well.
Posted: Thursday 28th of July 2016 09:04 AM Last reply: Saturday 1st of March 2025 01:23 AM

Davidia involucrata

Shoot User
1232 0
Another photo.
Posted: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:51 PM Last reply: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:51 PM

Davidia involucrata

Shoot User
1232 0
and another photo
Posted: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:49 PM Last reply: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:49 PM

Davidia involucrata

Shoot User
1232 0
Another photo Katy
Posted: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:47 PM Last reply: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:47 PM

Davidia Involucrata

Shoot User
1232 0
Hi Katy, thank you for your response. I have attached some photo's that may be of help. See what you think as I have no clues as to why the tree would suddenly do this.

Many thanks,
Chris
Posted: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:46 PM Last reply: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:46 PM

Davidia Involucrata

Shoot User
1232 0
Hi Katy, thank you for your response. I have attached some photo's that may be of help. See what you think as I have no clues as to why the tree would suddenly do this.

Many thanks,
Chris
Posted: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:45 PM Last reply: Tuesday 18th of May 2010 09:45 PM
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