Davidia involucrata - Handkerchief Tree An exceptionally beautiful tree, though not for the smaller garden, Davidia involucrata is a tall, slow-maturing, deciduous tree with a spreading habit. The soft, bright green, ovate leaves are about 6”/15cm long, and colour yellow in autumn. The glory of this tree is the flowers, which appear in spring. Under the branches, suspended from evenly spaced hanging stems, are bosses of tiny true flowers with red tips, held within two unevenly shaped creamy-white bracts 8”/20cm long; like bird’s wings; these give the tree its alternative name of dove tree. In autumn, the flowers are followed by large, nut like seeds, the size of a small chestnut. Be aware that the tree does not flower for about ten years, more quickly on lighter soils. The handkerchief tree holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Spring to autumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: Eventually over 40’ (12m) Spread: 26’ (8m)