Nyssa sylvatica 'Wisley Bonfire' (m)

RHS Plant Profile
tupelo 'Wisley Bonfire'

Other common names

black gum 'Wisley Bonfire'

Synonyms

Nyssa sylvatica 'Wisley Pyramid'

Award of Garden Merit
Trees

A shapely tree of broadly conical outline, with simple, ovate or elliptic leaves turning brilliant scarlet, orange and yellow in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Nyssaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Nyssa are deciduous trees with ovate leaves colouring brilliantly in autumn; inconspicuous flowers are followed by small, dull purple fruits
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils with shelter from cold, dry winds. Resents transplanting so grow from small containerised plants

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility