Alangium platanifolium

RHS Plant Profile
flat-leaved alangium
Shrubs Trees

A large, deciduous shrub or small tree with variable leaves up to 20cm long, usually with three- or five-lobes. Small, scented, tassel-like, white and yellow flowers appear in mid-summer, and in autumn the leaves turn yellow, contrasting with the dark blue berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Alangium can be deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs or climbers, with simple or lobed leaves and sprays of fragrant, bell-shaped or tubular flowers in summer and berry-like fruit
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Far East

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position - the soft, pithy shoots are vulnerable to frost

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free