They are followed by thin papery air filled seed pods up to 5cm long. Usually between 4 and 8 develop from each inflorescence. These begin pale translucent green but turn red as the 3 black seeds inside mature. Through the summer the tree changes from green (leaves) to yellow (flowers), then to red (fruits) accompanied by yellow autumn leaves.

A good specimen is a spectacular addition to any collection. It will need plenty of light but benefits from side shelter. In its native far eastern habitat it grows in mixed woodlands of Paulownia, Pagoda tree, Walnut and Oriental Thuja. A fine mixture to emulate in cultivation. T

his tree is native in north east China and Korea. Its status in Japan is uncertain because of extensive ornamental use there. Erik Laxmann, a Finnish naturalist working in Russia, was first to describe it. The Earl of Coventry was the first person to grow it in Britain, in 1763 at Croome House in Worcestershire. In China the leaves are used to manufacture a blue or black dye.

In America it grows well in hot dry areas where it seeds freely and has become naturalized. It is also known by the misleading name ‘Pride of India’ in many nursery catalogues.

A good garden tree for both small and large gardens.

Within 24 hours of placing your order, we will contact you to confirm an exact delivery date. Most orders are delivered within 5 working days. Your plants will be freshly lifted and packaged the day before dispatch to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.

If you have a preferred delivery date please use the comments box and we will try our best to accommodate this (not available at weekends).

Although items can remain in their packaging for 7–10 days if kept frost-free, we recommend planting bareroot trees as soon as possible after delivery.

We use a courier service, and a signature is required on delivery unless you specify a safe place in the comments box when placing your order.

Small Orders (UK Mainland Only)

Orders of 1–15 plants in size 40/60cm can often be sent via Royal Mail for £8.00.

Please note: Your basket will initially show a delivery charge of £15.00 + VAT, but if you request Royal Mail delivery in the comments box, we will adjust the payment for you once we receive the order.

England and Wales Standard Delivery Charges

• Orders up to £75 – £15 + VAT
• £76 – £200 – £22 + VAT
• £201 – £300 – £30 + VAT
• £301 – £500 – £40 + VAT
• £501 – £1000 – £45 + VAT
• Over £1000 – £50 + VAT

Mainland Scotland Standard Delivery Charges

• Orders up to £75.99 – £20 + VAT
• £76 – £150.99 – £28.40 + VAT
• £151 – £300.99 – £38 + VAT
• £301 – £500.99 – £50 + VAT
• £501 – £1000.99 – £56 + VAT
• Over £1001 – £62 + VAT

Click and Collect

Click and collect available free of charge from: Tree Shop Ltd., Harts Barn, Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0QD, UK