Davidia involucrata 'COLUMNA'

Dove tree is an elegant and rather exotic looking tree that is still rare in cultivation in Europe. It was believed to have been extinct after the glacial era, however, in late 19th century some specimens were found in Sichuan, China. Dove tree was brought to Britain in 1903 and cultivated as a rarity in large gardens and arboretums of the tempered climate. Roberto Gheri from Italian nursery Gheri Vivai Piante has been breeding this plant for a number of years in order to achieve a plant that is more compact and flowers at young age. The result of his efforts is called Columna.

Columna, as the name suggests, is a special dove tree selection of columnar habit and compact growth. This is useful for many small and mid-sized gardens with limited space. Another important feature is that this plant sets first flowers already when about 1.5m tall (about 5-7 years after grafting). The inflorescence is ellipsoid or spherical, composed of tiny green flowers with red anthers, surrounded by its main attraction = large, white bracts of uneven size owing to which this plant is also called handkerchief tree. The leaves are deciduous, dark green, ovate to heart-shaped, and serrated at margins.

Being a new variety the ultimate height has not been observed yet, but is expected about 5-6m in Central-European conditions. Dove tree needs well-drained but constantly moist soil, rich in humus and preferably deep. Do not grow it in windy areas. It is fully hardy to -24°C and can withstand temporary swings to -27°C (USDA zone 5b) in protected locations.

Last update 22-02-2012