Davidia involucrata 12Ltr pot

Davidia involucrata (12L Pot)

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and unusual of all garden trees, the handkerchief tree — also known as the dove tree or ghost tree — earns its name from the extraordinary spring display of large, pure white, papery bracts that hang from every branch, resembling hundreds of handkerchiefs or doves fluttering in the breeze. These surround small, inconspicuous flower clusters and put on their spectacular show in May, drawing visitors from far and wide. This variety holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Heart-shaped, bright green leaves provide a lush summer canopy, turning attractive shades of yellow and orange in autumn, while the tree develops an elegant, broadly pyramidal to rounded form with distinctive tiered, horizontal branching as it matures. Discovered in China by the French missionary Père Armand David in 1869, it remains a legendary find among plant collectors.

Best given a sheltered spot away from strong winds, it grows well in moist, well-drained fertile soil in full sun or partial shade, and tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand. It's worth noting that young trees can take up to ten years before flowering begins, but the eventual display is well worth the wait. Given time it will reach a substantial height of over 12m with a spread wider than 8m, so it's best suited to larger gardens or as a specimen where it has room to become the centrepiece it's destined to be.

Supplied as a well-established plant in a 12-litre pot, ready to plant out and establish quickly.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.