Trochodendron aralioides

RHS Plant Profile
wheel tree
Shrubs

Usually an epiphyte or a tree in the wild and may grow up to 10m or more, but in cultivation is usually a slow-growing shrub to 3m; it has aromatic bark, spirally arranged, long-stalked, evergreen leaves up to 12cm long, which are tapered, obovate, leathery, glossy, bright green or olive-green, with scalloped margins, and racemes up to 12cm long of 10-20 or more bright green flowers, 2cm across, which have no petals but numerous stamens radiating from central green discs, in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Bark
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Trochodendraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Trochodendron is an evergreen shrub or tree which can reach a height of around 20m. Leaves are leathery dark green with yellowish-green flowers. The flowers have no petals but around 40 to 70 stamens instead. The fruit they produce is woody and star-shaped.
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Japan, Taiwan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade, and with shelter from cold, drying winds, for example in a woodland garden

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required or Pruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs)

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free