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Camptotheca acuminata (Chinese happytree)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
20m
Max height
Max height
10m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Camptotheca acuminata
Other names
Chinese happytree, Cancer tree, False tupelo, Tree of life, Xi shu
Genus
Camptotheca Camptotheca
Species
C. acuminata - C. acuminata is a vigorous, upright, tender, deciduous tree with glossy, veined, dark green leaves, flushed bronze when young, and, in summer, spherical clusters of tubular, white to green flowers followed by angled fruit maturing to brown.
Camptotheca acuminata is: Deciduous
Habit
Tall, Upright
Flower
Pale-green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green, Flushed bronze in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Will need restrictive pruning if grown under glass.
Propagation
Tends to self-seed readily in warm areas. Sow seed for 24 hours and then cold stratify for 30 days.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Camptotheca acuminata (Chinese happytree) will reach a height of 20m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Greenhouse, Conservatory, Architectural, Lawn, Specimen tree
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Plant in a warm, sheltered position in cold areas.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Camptotheca acuminata
Other names
Chinese happytree, Cancer tree, False tupelo, Tree of life, Xi shu
Genus
Camptotheca Camptotheca
Species
C. acuminata - C. acuminata is a vigorous, upright, tender, deciduous tree with glossy, veined, dark green leaves, flushed bronze when young, and, in summer, spherical clusters of tubular, white to green flowers followed by angled fruit maturing to brown.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tall, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Pale-green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green, Flushed bronze in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Will need restrictive pruning if grown under glass.
Propagation
Tends to self-seed readily in warm areas. Sow seed for 24 hours and then cold stratify for 30 days.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Camptotheca acuminata (Chinese happytree) will reach a height of 20m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Greenhouse, Conservatory, Architectural, Lawn, Specimen tree
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Plant in a warm, sheltered position in cold areas.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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