Radermachera Sinica Flowering

[epicure3]

I have a few flowers about to open. I read in RLR The Tropical Look that it doesn't flower but rarely in cultivation. So either it's really happy or stressed and flowering. Any one else have a China Doll that has flowered before?

[Justin]

Mine did earlier this year. It was so high up on the tree, however, and there were so many other trees around, that it was difficult to see.

[epicure3]

Very cool. They look like they will be big flowers.

[mppalms]

I don't buy that they don't flower in cultivation. There is one near downtown Mountain View that is about 40 ft. tall, and it regularly flowers every year. The frost in Jan 2007 only nipped the top branches; so, it must be hardier than I had thought.

Jason

[LJG]

The one at Rancho is huge and flowers every year too. The issue is they flower so high up you can't see the blooms nor smell them.

[epicure3]

Mine is multi-trunked and the tallest trunk is only about 10' high. The flowers are blooming on a smaller trunk which is only about 7' tall. I just took one off the tree and the scent is incredible. It must have just opened up tonight since it wasn't about 4 hours ago.

[fastfeat]

These bloom regularly, even on rather young trees. They are fugacious, opening in late afternoon/evening and dropping in the morning. Turf under trees can be carpeted with white flowers in the AM. Very fragrant, if you can catch them at the right time.

This tree is, indeed, probably hardier than indicated in most texts. One of the largest trees I've seen was just outside of Bakersfield some years ago. I've also seen trees in San Antonio, TX.

[epicure3]

These bloom regularly, even on rather young trees. They are fugacious, opening in late afternoon/evening and dropping in the morning. Turf under trees can be carpeted with white flowers in the AM. Very fragrant, if you can catch them at the right time.

This tree is, indeed, probably hardier than indicated in most texts. One of the largest trees I've seen was just outside of Bakersfield some years ago. I've also seen trees in San Antonio, TX.

Wow, they would have to be pretty hardy in those places. I managed to get a couple of flowers off the tree while open. The fragrance is pretty nice. Almost, a perfumed baby powder type smell. Rather large flowers as well. I have another Radermachira variety growing that has yet to bloom but it is in more shade and not as vigorous here.