Celtis sinensis

RHS Plant Profile

Chinese hackberry

Other common names

Japanese hackberry, Yunnan hackberry

Synonyms

Celtis japonica
Celtis willdenowiana

Trees

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A large tree with a semi-open, umbel to round-shaped crown and 'papery' leaves with toothed margins from the middle to the tip. The first-year twigs can be strikingly long, brown to reddish brown, sometimes a little hairy. The older bark is smooth and grey. The inconspicuous flower clusters are followed by red drupes. These can vary in colour from green to orange-red or black

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 20–50 years
Max Spread: wider than 8 metres
Max Height: Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cannabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Genus: A genus of 60-70 species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs to medium-sized trees with serrated green foliage and clusters of small, greenish-white flowers which appear in the spring
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Far East

How to Grow

Cultivation

A warmth-loving plant that grows noticeably faster in a warm, dry environment than in a cold, wet climate. Prefers well-drained soil. Can tolerate drought and air pollution. Avoid planting along driveways, pavements and roads as the roots can cause damage. Avoid damaging the wood with string trimmers and other equipment as wood rot can occur. It has the potential to become a nuisance in some environments if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Wildlife gardens
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1 Prune while young to promote a strong growth pattern by removing multiple trunks and weak branch crotches

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free