Dragon's beard Plant Care

Dragon's beard (Bretschneidera sinensis) belongs to the Akaniaceae family within the Bretschneidera genus. Dragon's beard is native to south and east of China, Taiwan, northern Thailand and northern Vietnam.

Dragon's beard displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Dragon's beard produces large clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dragon's beard every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Dragon's beard thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Dragon's beard in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Bretschneidera sinensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Dragon's beard prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Dragon's beard to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dragon's beard every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to dappled sunlight and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dragon's beard is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Dragon's beard can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Dragon's beard while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Dragon's beard is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dragon's beard can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Dragon's beard is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Dragon's beard grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Dragon's beard is native to south and east of China, Taiwan, northern Thailand and northern Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Dragon's beard as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.