Handkerchief Tree Plant Care

Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata) belongs to the Nyssaceae family within the Davidia genus. Handkerchief Tree is native to China. Handkerchief Tree is also known as Dove Tree, Ghost Tree.

Handkerchief Tree displays a medium-sized deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 40 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Handkerchief Tree produces unique white bracts surrounding small green flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Handkerchief Tree 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.

Handkerchief Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Davidia involucrata tolerates temperatures of 20–90°F. Handkerchief Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Handkerchief Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Handkerchief Tree 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 full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Handkerchief Tree is suited to USDA Zone 6a – 8b.

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.

Handkerchief Tree can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 40 ft (12 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Handkerchief Tree 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.

Handkerchief Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 6a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Handkerchief Tree can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Handkerchief Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Handkerchief Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Handkerchief Tree is native to China.