Chinese Bell Flower Plant Care

Chinese Bell Flower (Radermachera sinica) belongs to the Bignoniaceae family within the Radermachera genus. Chinese Bell Flower is native to the subtropical mountain regions of southern China and Taiwan. Chinese Bell Flower is also known as Dragon Tree, Emerald Tree, Radermachera.

Chinese Bell Flower displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Chinese Bell Flower produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Bell Flower 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.

Chinese Bell Flower thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Chinese Bell Flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Radermachera sinica tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Chinese Bell Flower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Bell Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Bell Flower 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 bright indirect to full sun and well-draining, fertile soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Bell Flower is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

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.

Chinese Bell Flower can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Chinese Bell Flower 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.

Chinese Bell Flower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Bell Flower can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to china doll plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Chinese Bell Flower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

Chinese Bell Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Chinese Bell Flower is native to the subtropical mountain regions of southern China and Taiwan. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Bell Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.