Davidia involucrata

dove tree

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained soil that isn't prone to long periods of drought
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May
• Flower colour: small flowers surrounded by large, white bracts
• Other features: a wonderful tree that can often take 10 years to flower
• Hardiness: very hardy
  
  An unusual, deciduous tree with gorgeous heart-shaped, dark green leaves with soft white down underneath and large, white bracts that surround the small flowers in late spring. It is from these bracts that it gets its common names - dove tree or handkerchief tree - as they supposedly look like doves resting on the branches or handkerchiefs drying.
  
  
• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning but you will need to maintain a strong central leader in the first few years. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly.