Poliothyrsis sinensis

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese pearl-bloom tree
Trees

A spreading, deciduous tree to 10m tall, with grey bark which is deeply furrowed in mature trees. The dark green, glossy, slender-pointed leaves are held on red stalks. New growth is bronze-flushed. In mid- and late summer, white buds open to tiny, fragrant, greenish-white flowers; they are borne in conical clusters to 25cm long

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
A monotypic genus of just one species of deciduous flowering tree, grown for its green, glossy foliage which provides good autumn colour, and loose, conical panicles of small, creamy-yellow fragrant flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or take greenwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free