DAVIDIA involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’

Description

The Plant

DAVIDIA involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’ is an extremely rare variegated handkerchief tree, highly sought after by collectors. Please note that this variegation is particularly stable, unlike other occurrences of this type in history such as ‘Aya Nishiki’.

Its leaves are green with a broad margin that starts light yellow in spring and turns creamy white at maturity. It is a very bright foliage (see photos).

In addition, the flowers appear after only 2 to 3 years and resemble those of the type species DAVIDIA involucrata.

However, this cultivar grows much more slowly and remains much shorter. As a result, D. ‘Lady Sunshine’ is also suitable for smaller gardens, where it can shine like a sun.

Finally, this handkerchief tree withstands temperatures below –20°C.

To see all DAVIDIA variants currently available for sale, please click here.

History and Origin

The type species DAVIDIA involucrata comes from China, particularly from the mountainous provinces of Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, Yunnan and Gansu. It grows there at altitudes of 1000 to 2500 meters in cool, humid forests. This exceptional tree remained unknown to the Western world for a long time.

Father Armand David (a French Lazarist) discovered the tree in China in 1869. The genus DAVIDIA is named in his honor. It was introduced to Europe in the early 1900s. The first trees planted in Europe then flowered around 1910 to 1915. The species quickly became a prestigious ornamental tree.

In the early 2000s, DAVIDIA involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’ appeared in the United Kingdom as a natural mutation (sport). This makes it one of the youngest cultivars. It very quickly became one of the most sought-after in Europe.

Moreover, the species is now classified as vulnerable in its natural habitat. Here are the main causes:

• Fragmented range
• Human pressure on Chinese forests
• Slow regeneration
• Low seed production in certain years

How to plant and care for DAVIDIA involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’?

The Planting

This handkerchief tree belongs to the group of plants that are fairly easy to care for. Nevertheless, consider the following points to give it the best possible conditions:

1. Find it a spot in partial shade or full sun. At Vallonchêne, all our DAVIDIA are in full sun and grow well.
2. You can plant it as a specimen or in a group.
3. The soil should be light or normal with an acidic, neutral or calcareous pH.
4. It prefers a moderately moist location.
5. For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

The Caring

Despite the modest requirements of DAVIDIA involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’, make sure to water it regularly during the first two years after planting, especially during dry periods. This will ensure good establishment. You can also read our tips on how to water effectively and save water here.

If you feel the need to prune it, do so in January or February. However, avoid cutting it back too severely. We recommend limiting pruning to the bare minimum, as in our experience this plant can be sensitive to heavy pruning.