Firmiana simplex Seeds | Chinese Parasol Tree
LATIN NAME: Firmiana simplex
COMMON NAME: Chinese Parasol Tree
Plant Profile
Firmiana simplex, commonly known as Chinese Parasol Tree, is a tree in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is a tree of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained ground. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Firmiana simplex ranges from the botany of the mallow family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Parasol Tree has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. The Chinese parasol tree is a fine, bold tree of warm garden and study collection. It is a fine, bold tree of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained garden. Give young trees deep, rich, moist bed, and bold leaves will form broad crown in years to come. In later seasons it demands little more than an appreciative eye.
A tree like this repays patience for decades: it cools and shelters its surroundings, hosts birds and insects, and stores carbon in timber that outlives its planter.
Growing from Seed
Chinese Parasol Tree is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Given the right start, Chinese Parasol Tree is a long-term garden companion. It is a solid representative of the Firmiana group, true to type from seed. After establishment, care settles into an easy routine.
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