Handkerchief tree or Dove tree

This shrub, which grows into a medium-sized tree (10-15 m), is strangely hardly known, but when it blooms, everyone is amazed... In May, the plant blooms with large, hanging, pure white bracts, up to 30 cm long: it looks as if someone has hung their handkerchief collection in it!
Because this rarely beautiful tree is hardly offered, we felt that had to change...

The handkerchief tree is now considered a rare and endangered species in its native regions in China. Climate change and habitat loss play a role in this.
At the same time, there are more and more scientific publications that Davidia contains valuable substances that can play a role in the development of new medicines. Our Davidia trees are generatively (from seed) propagated. Sowing maintains genetic diversity; seedlings are also individuals, and thus variable in growth vigor, growth form, leaf color, etc.
Here are some more tips and facts:
- Not every soil is suitable for Davidia. Poor, fast-drying sandy soil is unsuitable, as is poorly draining soil. They prefer a well-draining, but moisture-retaining, nutritious soil. A cool, shaded base is appreciated.
- Young Davidias dislike prolonged sun exposure and persistent drought; older trees are somewhat more tolerant.
- Young Davidias are susceptible to frost in their first winters; after a few years, frost tolerance increases.
- Davidia does not belong to the category of small trees; anyone who wants to plant a handkerchief tree must have sufficient space, both in width and in height.
- You cannot keep Davidia small by pruning. Pruning is poorly tolerated. Older trees do have the ability to form new shoots from the base.
- It takes a number of years before a Davidia comes into bloom (10-15 years). The bloom is so spectacular that the long wait is richly rewarded.

We supply 4-year-old shrubs in 2.5-liter pots. These are beautiful plants that have not been forced. Before planting them out, the delivered plants prefer to be sheltered, protected from moderate and severe frost and harsh easterly winds. Plants in pots are more sensitive than plants in open ground. When planting out, try to keep the root ball intact.

Names:
Latin: Davidia involucrata
Dutch: Zakdoekjesboom or Vaantjesboom
Also: Vaantjesboom
English: Dove Tree, Handkerchief Tree