Handkerchief Tree
Davidia involucrata
Also known as
Dove Tree, Ghost Tree, Pocket handkerchief tree, Dove tree, Ladies handkerchief
Davidia involucrata flowering branch by Myrabella (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H5
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
15m | Max | 10m |
10m | Min | 6m |
50 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance


More images of Handkerchief Tree
Handkerchief Tree Overview
Davidia involucrata is a spreading, medium-sized, deciduous tree species from the Nyssaceae family, that produces bright green leaves up to 15cm long and showy flowers. Commonly known by the names Handkerchief Tree, Dove Tree and Ghost Tree. In spring it produces very small red-purple flowers measuring around 2cm across, these are surrounded by 2 creamy white bracts that can be 20cm long. Flowers lead onto green-brown to purplish, ridged fruits measuring up to 5cm in diamete. The more commonly cultivated form is Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana, which has paler and less downy leaf undersides.
Common problems with Handkerchief Tree
Generally pest and disease free.
How to harvest Handkerchief Tree
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate Handkerchief Tree
Seed
Cuttings
Take hardwood cuttings in late autumn.
Special features of Handkerchief Tree
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Handkerchief Tree
This low maintenance tree provides architectural interest for urban courtyards as well as informal cottage style gardens. It can also be grown in large containers.