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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.
Further Reading....
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DeciduousSimple, alternate, broadly oval leaves.
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TreeSmooth, mid-grey bark.
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Full sunshelter from cold winds
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Partial shade
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowThe small flowerheads are surrounded by showy white bracts which gives rise to the names. Makes an ideal specimen.Pests & DiseasesNonePlace of originChinaResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soil
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Tree ShapeBroadly conical
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
Buy Varieties of DAVIDIA


DAVIDIA involucrata
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

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