Davidia involucrata 'Sonoma'
handkerchief tree 'Sonoma'
A deciduous, conical tree to 15m tall with broadly ovate, sharply-pointed, red-stalked, mid-green leaves. Selected for its ability to produce the small, dark green flowers from a very young age, sometimes after only two or three years, and these are held within noticeably long, large, creamy-white bracts during late spring, followed by small, ovoid fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Green Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Nyssaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Davidia is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with ovate leaves and small, dark green flower-clusters each subtended by two large white bracts and followed by ovoid greenish-brown fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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