Hardy Rubber Tree Plant Care

Hardy Rubber Tree (Eucommia ulmoides) belongs to the Eucommiaceae family within the Eucommia genus. Hardy Rubber Tree is native to China. Hardy Rubber Tree is also known as Chinese Rubber Tree, Gutta-percha Tree.

Hardy Rubber Tree displays a medium-sized deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Hardy Rubber Tree produces inconspicuous green flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hardy Rubber 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.

Hardy Rubber Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Eucommia ulmoides tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Hardy Rubber Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Hardy Rubber Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hardy Rubber 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 well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hardy Rubber Tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Hardy Rubber Tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Hardy Rubber 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.

Hardy Rubber Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Hardy Rubber Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Hardy Rubber 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.

Hardy Rubber Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hardy Rubber Tree is native to China. In cooler regions, grow Hardy Rubber Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.