Hovenia dulcis
Chinese raisin tree
An upright, then spreading, tree with glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves, 10-20cm long, and downy beneath. Sprays of tiny, cream, fragrant flowers appear in summer and, as they fade, the flower stems swell, turning red, sweet and edible. They later produce small, black fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Hovenia are deciduous trees with alternate, heart-shaped or oval leaves, fragrant flowers and small, spherical fruit. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and carried in loose, branched clusters at or near the ends of the branches
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- India to Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs humus-rich, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, in full sun with shelter from cold wind. Best in areas with a long, hot summer to ripen the wood. Unripened wood is liable to frost damage, and produces fewer flowers
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or take greenwood cuttings in early summer, or hardwood cuttings in late autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally problem free
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot on unripe shoots
Get involved
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