Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana Handkerchief tree

Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana foliage

Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana autumn foliage

Mature Davidia vilmoriniana Handkerchief tree

Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana tree in pot

Mature Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana trees in a line

Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana mature 10-12cm girth tree

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Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana Tree

Name: Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana Tree
Brand: Ornamental Trees
SKU: DA255.1
Price: 125.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Handkerchief Trees

From £125

From £125 ~~£125~~

Awards RHS Award of Garden Merit

Final size 6 x 4 metres in 20 years

Foliage Heart-shaped leaves with spring and autumn colour (deciduous)

Soil Moist but well-draining

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Product Details

Planting & Care

Delivery Information

Description

Davidia involucrata Vilmoriniana is most well known for its astonishing large, white bracts that hang like pinched handkerchiefs from its branches in May, hence the common name of Handkerchief tree. These can be followed by small, inedible pear shaped fruits. The attractive, heart shaped foliage emerges purple-green and has a spicy, incense fragrance. Green in summer, the leaves turn shades of orange and yellow in autumn.

This interesting small/medium sized ornamental tree will grow to a height and spread of 6 x 4 metres in 20 years. It's a tough tree, being tolerant of pollution and growing in most positions as long as it has moist, well drained soil. Whilst it can take up to 10 years until this tree flowers, we think it’s completely worth the wait!

A little bit of history for those interested! The plant hunters' search in the middle of the 19th century was most fiercely fought over this tree and it is named after a French missionary/botanist Father David (he was also the first European to report a sighting of a panda!). 37 seeds were sent back to France but only one tree grown from those seeds flowered. Horticultural practices improved in the following decades and in 1899 "Chinese" Wilson was sent on behalf of the Veith Nurseries of Exeter to collect seed in China for commercial production.

AKA Davidia involucrata var. Vilmoriniana, Handkerchief tree, Dove tree

Planting Steps

1Preparation

Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.

2Planting

Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.

3Last Steps

Water generously around the base of the plant.
If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.

Aftercare Advice

Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

MAINLAND UK — excluding remote locations
Small trees & shrubs*: £12 for 1 or more
Larger shrubs & mature Japanese Maples: £35 for 1 or more
Mature, Pleached, Hedging & Specialist Trees: £65 for 1 or more

REMOTE UK LOCATIONS — including Scottish Highlands & Islands
Small trees & shrubs*: £35 for 1 or more
Larger shrubs & mature Japanese Maples: £65 for 1 or more
Mature, Pleached, Hedging & Specialist Trees: £120 for 1 or more

*Small trees & shrubs are typically supplied in pots up to 15 litres.
Additional remote-location surcharges may apply.
Unfortunately, we are not able to make delivery of live plants to Northern Ireland or any countries outside of the UK.

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