Davidia Involucrata

The Handkerchief Tree, often called the Dove Tree or Davidia involucrata, is a very unusual and beautiful deciduous tree. Large, white bracts that drop gently from the branches, suggesting handkerchiefs or flying doves, are what make this distinctive flower display so beautiful, especially in the late spring. The tiny, red blossoms themselves are grouped in the middle of each bract, giving the scene a fine detail. Mature trees have a towering presence in any landscape, growing up to a height of 12 metres.

Davidia involucrata is a protected, somewhat shaded plant that grows best in moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Once established, it grows fairly slowly and needs little care other than the occasional pruning to shape or remove dead wood.