I wonder if anyone has experience growing Davidia involucrata (Hankerchief Tree)?
My soil is extremely alkaline and I thought Davidia would grow well on it.
However I went to a nursery this afternoon and spoke to the owner who tried (and succeeded) to dissuade me from buying on of his trees.
Although I was extremely impressed that he was reluctant to sell me the wrong tree I was a little worried about the advice he was trying to give me.
Even though I felt sure I was doing the right thing I also felt the need to come back and do some research. The RHS is clear that Davidii will grow in any soil in almost any aspect.
I would dearly love to plant a Davidii as it's one of the first trees I have recollection of learning the Latin name for. One of my first ever clients (1984)had one in his garden. The soil was black malm over limestone marl (this is near Selborne) the best growing soil I've ever had the privileged to work on.
Planting a Davidii would mean a lot to me and bring back a great deal of fond memories. Would love to hear from anyone with advice and experiences of growing Davidii.
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Davidia involucrata is a tree that is reasonably amenable to most soils and conditions, except for extremes of dry/wet and hot/cold (seldom a problem in our climate in the UK). I'm not aware of Davidia having problems with pH, BUT this is a plant that enjoys a rich and fairly deep soil (also uniformly moist), and quite often very alkaline soils are in chalky areas where water drains freely, soil can be quite thin (even if fairly rich), and in drier parts of the UK rainfall-wise.
The nurseryman might have been worried that your Davidia involucrata would suffer from things other than the pH per se.
Thanks Ben.
I think I have the perfect soil for Daviddi (although it's a little exposed so that might be the biggest hurdle). I didn't tell the nurseryman anything other than soil type.
I think I might be popping back tomorrow:)
BensBotanics said:
Ah yes, Davidia is not a tree that enjoys exposed sites....
Wonderful tree, I'd love to have the space to grow one myself. I don't know anything about growing them, but the advice for things like magnolia and the tree-like cornus varieties that are supposed to dislike an alkaline soil is that they are actually quite tolerant provided a lot of organic matter is incorporated at planting. And i suspect that depth of soil is actually a more important factor than pH.
Doug- it is perfectly possible to have a decent depth of acid-neutral soil above chalk, and there are surprising gardens in these pockets growing Rhododendrons and other acid lovers outside traditional planting regions. You're right, in many cases organic content of the soil is crucial, although most Magnolias remain pH sensitive.
Hi Doug
I too love Cornus...I'll look out for one for my garden.
I've opted for a Tilia henryana too.
Henryana's height and spread is somewhat larger than the position I intend to grow it in. However, I'm working on the basis that it will be 50-75 years before its size poses a problem. Subsequent owners of my property can re-design the space around it without too much trouble.
I've dediced to go back to the nursery and pick up the Daviddi later today:)
Doug said:
Hi Ben
My previous garden was very free draining sand. I have to say I did prefer gardening on it than the heavy alkaline soil I have now.
I agree with you that it's possible to manipulate the pH over time. But I've had little success with two Hydrangea quercifolia. I've had to put one into a pot with ericaceous compost to revive it.
In just one season the revival has been so dramatic. The plant in the pot had wonderful fiery autumn colour yet the one still in the ground was washed-out and short-lived.
BensBotanics said:
If thats what your soil does to h.quercifolia you might be struggling then Phil! Only one way to find out - get that davidia planted!
Saw t.henryana at Bluebell nursery & arbouretum in Derbyshire a few years ago. Only a young tree, but a very beautiful, large leaf as I remember. Actually, they may well have a similar soil to you, I can't remember - might be worth looking them up, as they are extremely knowledgeable.
Yes, H. quercifolia is much more of an acid-neutral plant, and really dislikes alkalinity. Your Davidia will hopefully fare better!
Tillia henryana is spectacular, and not really that slow a tree- it will grow to a decent time fairly quickly, based on experiences growing them in the open ground in Cornwall.
"Tillia henryana is spectacular, and not really that slow a tree- it will grow to a decent time fairly quickly, based on experiences growing them in the open ground in Cornwall."
Thanks Ben
I've had a re-think on position. I've now put the Tilia in a place where it will (eventually) provide some shade to a terrace but far enough away from the building that the roots, nor canopy, will cause damage to the building or drainage.
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