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Burncoose Nurseries - part of the Caerhays Estate
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    DAVIDIA
    DAVIDIA
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    <
    DAVIDIA DAVIDIA DAVIDIA DAVIDIA
    >

    DAVIDIA

    Commonly known as Dove tree, Ghost tree, Handkerchief tree

    Named for Father Armand David (Père David), a French missionary living in China who first described the tree in 1869.

    Very popular tree because of its two white bracts, one about twice the size of the other, which flutter from the branches in late spring on trees from about 10 years old.

    "The Times" used to advertise the flowering of the tree in Kew Gardens so that the population could view it.

    Genus of one species of deciduous tree found in woodland in China.

     

    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
    • Good to know
      The small flowerheads are surrounded by showy white bracts which gives rise to the names. Makes an ideal specimen.
    • Place of origin
      China
    • Resistant to honey fungus
      These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
    • Deciduous
    • Tree
    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
    Davidia - Growing Guide
    Trees - Care Guide

    varieties
    DAVIDIA involucrata
    large white bracts drape the tree in MAY. The green seeds are held on long stalks after the leaves fall and can take over 2 years to germinate
     
    Small
    £30.00
    Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC
    Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    Medium
    £55.00
    Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC
    Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    Large
    £125.00
    Available again from OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2026
    Dispatch will take place anytime from early October through to late November as stock becomes available.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    DAVIDIA involucrata 'Sonoma'
    This new and expensive introduction is guaranteed to flower at a much younger age without the need to wait for a couple of decades. Very large bracts even in 2-4 year old plants.
     
    3 - 5 Litre
    £75.00
    Unavailable
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    Medium
    £110.00
    Unavailable
    Notify me when this plant is available to order

    Useful extras...

    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
    Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
    Small - 60g sachet
    £3.00
    Medium - 150gm sachet
    £6.00
    Large - 360gram sachet
    £12.00
    Unavailable
    Vermin & Pest Control
    Slug Pellets
    Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails. Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
    800g
    £6.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
    All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants. Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
    1 ltr
    £8.50
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