High Quality Styphnolobium Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Styphnolobium Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Styphnolobium trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our Sorbus trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Styphnolobium trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Styphnolobium

1. What is the common name for Styphnolobium japonicum?

Styphnolobium japonicum has several common names, including:

• Japanese pagoda tree
• Chinese scholar tree
• Pagoda tree
• Scholar tree
• Sophora japonica (older name)

These names reflect the plant's striking appearance, its association with scholars and knowledge, and its historical use in temple gardens. The name "Japanese pagoda tree" is the most common in North America, while "Chinese scholar tree" is more common in Europe and Asia.

2. How often does the Japanese pagoda tree bloom?

The Japanese pagoda tree blooms in the mid- to late summer. Its flowers are creamy white, pea-like, and appear in large clusters. The bloom period typically lasts for about three weeks.

Here are some factors that can affect the blooming of the Japanese pagoda tree:

• Climate: The tree blooms best in warm, humid climates. In cooler climates, blooming may be delayed or less abundant.
• Age: Younger trees may not bloom until they are at least 6 to 8 years old.
• Stress: The tree may not bloom if it is stressed, such as from drought, pests, or diseases.
• Sunlight: The tree needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom well.
• Pruning: Pruning can sometimes stimulate blooming, but it is important not to prune too heavily.

If your Japanese pagoda tree is not blooming, it may be due to one of these factors. You can try to improve the tree's growing conditions and see if that helps. However, it is not always possible to make a tree bloom, so you may just need to be patient and wait for it to bloom on its own.

3. How do you grow a Japanese pagoda tree?

Growing a Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) can be a rewarding experience, providing a beautiful and shade-providing addition to your landscape. Here's a comprehensive guide to growing and caring for this magnificent tree:

Site Selection:

1. Choose a sunny location: Japanese pagoda trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Consider soil drainage: They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5 to 8.0. Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot.
3. Provide ample space: These trees can grow quite large, reaching heights of 50-75 feet (15-25 m) and spreads of 40-50 feet (12-18 m). Choose a planting site that allows for adequate space for mature growth.

Planting:

1. Dig a planting hole: Excavate a hole approximately 2-3 times wider than the root ball and slightly deeper.
2. Prepare the planting site: Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and amend it with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve drainage and nutrient content.
3. Gently place the tree in the hole: Position the tree so that the root ball sits slightly above the ground level. Avoid burying the trunk too deeply.
4. Backfill the hole: Gradually fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the tree.
5. Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted tree deeply to help settle the soil and encourage root growth.

Ongoing Care:

1. Watering: During the first year, water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure adequate root establishment. Once established, the tree is more drought-tolerant but may still benefit from supplemental watering during hot, dry spells.
2. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth. Avoid overfertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development.
3. Pruning: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage new growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the tree.
4. Pest and disease control: Monitor the tree for signs of pests, such as aphids, scale insects, and Japanese beetles, and diseases, such as fungal leaf spots.

Additional Tips:

1. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
2. Patience: Japanese pagoda trees are slow-growing, typically taking 10-15 years to reach maturity. Be patient and enjoy the process of watching this majestic tree grow and thrive in your landscape.

4. What are the flowers on the Styphnolobium japonicum?

The flowers of the Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), also known as the Chinese Scholar Tree, are a beautiful and delicate feature of this ornamental tree. They are white, pea-like, and fragrant, appearing in large, pendulous clusters or racemes that can reach up to 12 inches in length. The flowers typically bloom in the mid-to-late summer, between July and early September, and add a touch of elegance and beauty to the landscape.

Here are some additional details about the flowers of the Japanese pagoda tree:

• Flower Shape: The flowers have a distinctive pea-like shape, with five petals that are fused together at the base. The petals are typically white, but there may be slight variations in shade, ranging from creamy white to ivory.
• Flower Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant, sweet fragrance that can be detected from a distance. The fragrance is often described as similar to the scent of honey or lilacs.
• Flower Abundance: The Japanese pagoda tree produces an abundance of flowers, with each raceme containing numerous individual blooms. The flowering display is quite impressive and can last for several weeks.
• Flower Significance: The flowers of the Japanese pagoda tree have cultural significance in some parts of the world. In China, the tree is associated with scholarship and wisdom, and its flowers are considered to be symbols of good luck and academic achievement.

5. Are Japanese pagoda trees toxic?

Yes, parts of the Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) are considered toxic to humans and animals. All parts of the plant contain cytisine, a poisonous alkaloid that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and seizures. In severe cases, cytisine poisoning can be fatal.

The most toxic parts of the Japanese pagoda tree are the seeds and the bark. The seeds contain the highest concentration of cytisine, and even a small amount can be poisonous. The bark is also toxic, but it is less concentrated than the seeds.