Imu Tree Plant Care

Imu Tree (Idesia polycarpa) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Idesia genus. Imu Tree is native to eastern Asia in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Imu Tree is also known as Chinese Laurel, Pali, Hokkien Tea.

Imu Tree displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Imu Tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Imu 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.

Imu Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Idesia polycarpa tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Imu Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Imu 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 added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Imu 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.

Imu 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 Imu 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.

Imu 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.

Imu Tree can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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Imu Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Imu Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Imu Tree is native to eastern Asia in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In cooler regions, grow Imu Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.