Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Davidia involucrata
Handkerchief Tree
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Davidia involucrata, the handkerchief tree, is a broad deciduous tree grown for its remarkable spring flowers, when small rounded flowerheads are surrounded by large creamy-white bracts that hang among the fresh green leaves. It eventually becomes a substantial specimen, so is best given a sheltered position and enough space for its spreading crown to mature.
✅ Large creamy-white bracts create a distinctive spring display
✅ Handsome broad foliage gives a lush summer canopy
⚠️ Eventually becomes a very large tree over 12m high
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 12.0 m +
- Max Spread
- 8.0 m +
- Growth Habit
- Widely extends outward with many lateral branches from center.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−15 to −10 °C) Cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Patios / Courtyards
- Containers
- Architectural
- Merits
-
- Generally pest-free
- Low Maintenance
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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Hydrangea Flower Colour: Soil, pH and Why Flowers Turn Blue or Pink
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Learn how to plant hydrangeas successfully, from choosing the right position and preparing the soil to correct planting depth, spacing, watering and early establishment.
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Types of Hydrangeas: Mophead, Lacecap, Panicle, Smooth, Oakleaf and Climbing
Mophead, lacecap, panicle, smooth, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas differ in far more than flower shape. This guide compares their growth, flowering habit, preferred position and garden use to help you...
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How to Grow Hydrangeas in Ireland: The Complete Guide
Hydrangeas are well suited to many Irish gardens, provided the type is matched to the position. This guide covers choosing Hydrangeas, light and soil, planting, watering, feeding, pruning, flower colour,...
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How to Grow Climbing Hydrangeas on Walls, Fences and Trees
Climbing hydrangeas are self-clinging, shade-tolerant woody climbers that can cover substantial walls, fences and mature trees, but they establish slowly and need a permanent position. This guide explains siting, support,...
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Best Hydrangeas for Small Gardens
Small gardens can accommodate hydrangeas very well when mature size and habit are considered from the outset. Compare compact mophead, panicle, oakleaf and lacecap choices that give substantial summer interest...
