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DAVIDIA involucrata
Commonly known as Dove tree, Ghost tree, Handkerchief tree
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
Further Reading....
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DeciduousBroadly ovate, sharp-pointed, toothed, red-stalked leaves to 16cm (6in) long. Leaves are mid-green above and softly hairy beneath.
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White
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Height15m (49ft)
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Spread10m (33ft)
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TreeProduces dense, pendent heads, to 2cm (¾in) across, of small male flowers with purple-red anthers. Each flower is surrounded by a pair of white bracts of unequal size. The hanging ridged fruit are 4cm (1½in) across.
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full sunshelter from cold winds.
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Partial shade
DAVIDIA involucrata
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Additional FeaturesPests & DiseasesNone.Place of originSouthwestern China. Introduced into the UK by Ernest Wilson (1876-1930) in 1901.Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginSerrate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOvate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
RHS group 1 -
Seasonal InterestSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soil
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Tree ShapeBroadly conical
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Davidia - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
15m (49ft)
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10m (33ft) |
Buy Varieties of DAVIDIA involucrata

DAVIDIA involucrata 'Sonoma'
Dove tree, Ghost tree, Handkerchief tree
huge white bracts which appear on young plants (even in pots) without the wait for decades for the plant to flower
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

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)
2 options from £6.00

Vermin & Pest Control
Tree Guards
Essential small tree protection from vermin and strimming. This pack includes 5 x 90cm canes and 5 x 90cm spiral guards. Includes instructions.
Only £5.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20