Idesia polycarpa Seeds | Mountain Kiriko
LATIN NAME: Idesia polycarpa
COMMON NAME: Wonder Tree
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Wonder Tree (Idesia polycarpa) stands out as a tree. It likes sun or light shade, and deep, moist, well-drained soil. Its flowers draw a steady traffic of bees and other beneficial insects. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Idesia polycarpa sits in the Idesia group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Long, hanging flower chains of wonder tree give it a recognised place in research on the ornamental Asian trees of family that includes willows, and polycarpa species appears in studies of dioecious flowering trees and pre-leaf bloom. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Wonder Tree earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Yellow-green chains open in late spring, berries feed birds through autumn, and tree makes fine specimen and the shade. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained, sunny or lightly shaded ground. Tuck small seeds into pots of sandy leaf-mould in autumn. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Idesia, the wonder tree, hangs with orange berries that birds relish, a handsome parkland tree of China.
Growing from Seed
Starting Wonder Tree from seed is simple and satisfying. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Among the Idesia group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. After establishment, care settles into an easy routine.
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