Davidia

The genus Davidia includes the only deciduous erect tree-like species, Davidia involucrata. In height, it can grow up to 20 m. Heart-shaped pointed toothed light green leaves-smooth on the upper side and pubescent on the lower, with pronounced veins. Drooping globular inflorescences are surrounded by two white-cream oblong large unequal bracts (the larger one looks like a kerchief, so in Europe this plant is called a kerchief tree), they can even reach 20 cm in length. The fruit is an ovate green drupe covered with a hairy a layer, first red-purple, then rust-colored. Inside is a lignified seed. Davidia wrapped vilmoriniana (D. involucrata vilmoriniana), which some botanists consider a separate species, is characterized by smooth, lighter (almost bluish) leaves.

The genus Davidia includes the only deciduous erect tree-like species, Davidia involucrata. In height, it can grow up to 20 m. Heart-shaped pointed toothed light green leaves-smooth on the upper side and pubescent on the lower, with pronounced veins. Drooping globular inflorescences are surrounded by two white-cream oblong large unequal bracts (the larger one looks like a kerchief, so in Europe this plant is called a kerchief tree), they can even reach 20 cm in length. The fruit is an ovate green drupe covered with a hairy a layer, first red-purple, then rust-colored. Inside is a lignified seed.

Davidia wrapped vilmoriniana (D. involucrata vilmoriniana), which some botanists consider a separate species, is characterized by smooth, lighter (almost bluish) leaves.

Cultivation

Davidia is grown in parks and gardens, usually in single plantings. It is planted in October (in moderately cold climates) or in March. There are no special requirements for the soil, as long as it is sufficiently moist. In spring, when growing plants in pots and young ones in the open ground, a complex fertilizer is added in the amount of 20 g per bucket of irrigation water. Pruning is carried out only for the sake of removing dry, damaged and randomly arranged branches. Davidia is generally resistant to diseases and pest infestations.

Location

Davidia is suitable for both a sunny place and partial shade.

Temperature

Resistant plant to both high and low air temperatures.

Watering

It is necessary, first of all, for young plants and during periods of prolonged drought.

Reproduction

Semi-woody cuttings are cut in the summer and planted in a mixture of peat and sand (1:1). Leave to winter in a closed unheated room, and next spring they are transplanted one at a time into pots filled with peat and sand soil, add 30 g of complex fertilizer to a bucket of soil. Planted in a permanent place after 2-3 years. Another method is multiplication by layers. In autumn, on long branches growing at the base of the plant, make an incision on the underside and dig in. After rooting, it is separated from the parent specimen, usually after 2 years. In the fall, you can also sow seeds. Grown seedlings are transplanted into pots singly and treated like seedlings grown from cuttings.

Semi-woody cuttings are cut in the summer and planted in a mixture of peat and sand (1:1). Leave to winter in a closed unheated room, and next spring they are transplanted one at a time into pots filled with peat and sand soil, add 30 g of complex fertilizer to a bucket of soil. Planted in a permanent place after 2-3 years.

Another method is multiplication by layers. In autumn, on long branches growing at the base of the plant, make an incision on the underside and dig in. After rooting, it is separated from the parent specimen, usually after 2 years. In the fall, you can also sow seeds. Grown seedlings are transplanted into pots singly and treated like seedlings grown from cuttings.

Acquisition

Davidia is usually only found in the most well-stocked horticultural centers and in some specialized nurseries. The best time to buy is in spring or autumn, when the plants can be planted immediately in the ground. Choose small specimens, they are easier to plant.