Davidia involucrata – Handkerchief Tree

An exceptionally beautiful tree, though not for the smaller garden, Davidia involucrata is a tall, slow-maturing, deciduous tree with a spreading habit. The soft, bright green, ovate leaves are about 6”/15cm long, and colour yellow in autumn. The glory of this tree is the flowers, which appear in spring. Under the branches, suspended from evenly spaced hanging stems, are bosses of tiny true flowers with red tips, held within two unevenly shaped creamy-white bracts 8”/20cm long; like bird’s wings; these give the tree its alternative name of dove tree. In autumn, the flowers are followed by large, nut like seeds, the size of a small chestnut. Be aware that the tree does not flower for about ten years, more quickly on lighter soils. The handkerchief tree holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Spring to autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: Eventually over 40’ (12m) Spread: 26’ (8m)