For taller options and non-tree planting schemes Contact us stating species, height/girth and delivery postcode.
Davidia Involucrata, Pocket Handkerchief Tree Options Explained
12Litre: Around 150-180cm tall at delivery, 2-3 years old, Half Standard.
Davidia Involucrata, Pocket Handkerchief Tree AKA Ghost Tree and Dove Tree.
Its RHS Award Of Garden Merit is almost as impressive as the unusually shaped white flowers that flutter in the wind. They have 2 petals with one considerably larger. We suspect Mother Nature was talking to the flower makers and her bread-making kids at the same time and shouted "Put more flour on one side". It's common name of Pocket Handkerchief tree comes from its floral appearance so you could be forgiven for thinking people are throwing tissues over your garden fence. If you go to smell one of the flowers and notice Kleenex written on it or you catch Covid then they are. If however, they turn into small hard nuts then they are not.
After speaking to the growers on a bad landline, they confirmed the tree starts off with quite a sense of humour as it has an upright cone shape i.e. very comical at first. As it grows, it develops orange to brown peeling bark.
The foliage is heart-shaped, similar to those used in love letters and not those in people. If you see any heart-shaped leaves with arrows going through them then the neighbours have taken up archery. Young leaves are purple in the spring and smell a bit spicy. We asked the growers if it was the whole group or just one of them e.g. Mel C, Scary Spice etc.
The unusually shaped flowers turn into inedible pear-shaped fruits but the first flush of flowers may take 5-8 years to make an appearance after purchase. It is worth the weight....that you probably put on eating comfort food as you hang around for weird-shaped flowers to appear.
Expect a 10-year height and width of 6 x 4 m but could go on to grow considerably more depending on local conditions.
Planting Davidia Involucrata, Pocket Handkerchief Tree
Good for open space planting but performs better in a sheltered site, wet site and shade tolerant. Plant in most soils from chalk, clay, loam and sand from acid to alkaline. Moist and well-draining soil is preferred and full sun to partial shade. Hardy to H5 which is minus 15 degrees centigrade.
Pruning Davidia Involucrata, Pocket Handkerchief Tree
No need to prune this tree unless you have dead, diseased or crossing-over branches.
Other Information About Davidia Involucrata, Pocket Handkerchief Tree
Archaeologists have found remains of this tree buried at around 1200 and said "is it time for lunch yet".
Often planted in ornamental parks and gardens, never just dumped randomly and expected to plant itself.
The Latin name for this tree originated from the Romans who were rumoured to be called Romans because they liked to roam.
What Our Customers Say About Davidia Involucrata, Pocket Handkerchief Tree
If you keep following me, I won't write a review......anonymous customer.
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by ​​​​​​​contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
Mature Tree Warranty
Once a tree is over 3 years old, the failure rate is considerably less and our Tree Warranty does not cover it at 100%. Please check details.
