7 Rare Trees
Stunning collection subjects to discover
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Living fossils that were thought to be lost forever and have been saved by the wonders of plant technology, rare specimens in cultivation and the only representatives of their genus, or subjects as exceptional in their natural habitat as in the collections of nurserymen: some trees are true rarities, which it is rewarding to discover and, why not, to grow in your garden, provided you can offer them the optimal growing conditions.
Discover these originals, these unique trees, both for your curiosity and to consider adopting one at home: here is our selection of 7 rare and collector trees.
Quercus myrsinifolia: a wonderful Myrsine-leaved Oak
Resembling the camphor tree, the Myrsine-leaved Oak Quercus myrsinifolia is a rare small tree native to Japan and China. Its common name, which is sometimes also “Bamboo-leaved Oak,” comes from the shape of its leaves, which are elegant, lanceolate, and prominently veined, measuring about 13 cm in length and 4 cm in width. This delicately structured tree has a pyramidal habit in its youth, eventually forming a rounded crown over the years. While in its native range it slowly develops into a small tree reaching 15 m in height, in our climates, it will not exceed 5 m in height and 3 m in spread.
Preferring milder conditions, it thrives in fresh, neutral to acidic soil, in full sun: give it a prime spot in your garden, or consider it for a seaside garden, as it tolerates salt spray very well! It can also wonderfully contribute to the design of a Japanese garden.
Quercus myrsinifolia
Wollemia nobilis: an Australian Pine thought to be extinct
Representing the family of Araucariaceae, one of the oldest from a botanical perspective, the Wollemi Pine Wollemia nobilis is a cousin of the Araucarias, the last representatives of a group of plants that thrived during the Jurassic period. This species is the only current representative of its genus. It was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1994, in the depths of a secret valley in Australia. Since then, botanists have been able to propagate it, allowing not only for its preservation but also for its availability to gardeners.
It displays the silhouette of a tall, slender fir with a very distinctive double-crowned habit: the lower branches are adorned with large, soft, flat light green needles, arranged horizontally, resembling the fronds of ferns, and the terminal crown takes on a conical shape. Its swollen bark has a beautiful chocolate colour. This tree, one of the rarest in the world, prefers humus-bearing, acidic, and cool soils and is sensitive to severe frosts (it is hardy down to -12 °C): it can be attempted in cultivation under a mild oceanic climate. The few adult Wollemia nobilis can reach 35 m in height and generally exhibit a narrow, pyramidal habit.
Wollemia nobilis
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Tetracentron sinense: a rarity from Asia
Originally found in the forest edges and steep valleys of Asia, Tetracentron sinense is a small deciduous tree and the sole representative of the genus Tetracentron. The name derives from the Greek “tetra” meaning “four” and “kentron” referring to a prickle, in reference to the four appendices shaped like darts that adorn its fruits. In its native regions, where it is unfortunately endangered, this tree can reach heights of 30 m, but it will grow to about 12 m in height with a spread of 6 m in our climates.
Very graceful, Tetracentron sinense boasts a generally upright and rounded silhouette, with young heart-shaped red foliage that turns soft green, only to take on beautiful shimmering tones again in autumn. Its spring and summer flowering features long, original pendulous aments, followed by decorative fruiting. Hardy (down to -18°C), it prefers a bright or partially shaded location in neutral to acidic soil.
Tetracentron sinense
Emmenopterys henryi: a rare flowering
Protected species native to southern China, the Emmenopterys henryi can reach heights of up to 45 m and live for several centuries in its native habitat. Its rare flowering, on an equally rare specimen, is stunning but unpredictable, delighting enthusiasts. It comprises intensely fragrant cream-white tubular flowers that appear on the upper branches from June to August. This magnificent tree, with its spreading habit, features lovely dark, glossy foliage, with young shoots that are bronze-red, as well as grey, cracked bark.
The Emmenopterys henryi thrives when planted in deep, rich, humus-bearing, cool, well-drained soil, in sunny or partially shaded locations, sheltered from cold or drying winds. Quite hardy, it can withstand temperatures down to -15 °C.
Emmenopterys henryi (Wikimedia)
Delavay Magnolia: a collection Magnolia
This variety of magnolia provides a grand spectacle in summer with its countless large, delicately scented cream flowers. Quite hardy (down to -12 °C), the Magnolia delavayi, also known as Chinese Magnolia, is an extremely rare species, a true collector’s tree. From July to September, it adorns itself with large cream flowers that gradually turn to purplish pink, measuring 10 to 20 cm in diameter, ephemeral and solitary, with a cone at their centre. After flowering, the cone remains on the tree until ripening. Its evergreen foliage is formed of large, leathery, glossy leaves, elegantly green.
It is a small evergreen tree with a rounded habit, reaching 10 to 12 m in height and 8 m in spread, perfect for confined spaces, where it will be the focal point in rich, cool, even moist but well-drained, non-calcareous soil. Protect it from prevailing winds and place it in full sun or partial shade to see this beautiful rarity thrive fully!
Magnolia delavayi (Citron – Wikimedia)
Davidia involucrata 'Lady Sunshine': a variegated Handkerchief Tree to discover
The common name of this deciduous tree, the Dove Tree, perfectly evokes the shape of its flowers, surrounded by large, pendulous bracts that are quite original. This abundant white flowering blooms from early May to the end of June, giving it a unique appeal. The branches of the Dove Tree spread rapidly, reaching heights of up to 12 m and a span of 10 m.
Speaking of rarities, let’s mention the Davidia involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine‘, a very rare form of the Dove Tree, featuring stunning heart-shaped variegated foliage, green with broad cream-yellow edges. This variety flowers from a young age, unlike the type that flowers after many years. With excellent hardiness (down to -15 °C, or even lower), this collector’s tree thrives in full sun or partial shade, in deep, fertile, light, and moist soil.
Davidia involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’
Eucryphia moorei: delightful Rosewood
Generously flowering for almost two months in summer, Eucryphia moorei, also known as Rosewood, is a collection subject to discover! A tree with a fastigiate habit reaching 25 m in height in its humid and temperate native environment of south-eastern Australia, it takes on the appearance of a beautiful small evergreen tree under our latitudes, not exceeding 8 m in height and 4 m in spread, adorned with graceful white cup-shaped flowers in July and August.
This beautiful tree, with its dazzling summer flowering that is highly melliferous, will find its place in partial shade in oceanic climate gardens, either in shrub borders or as a specimen tree. It prefers cool, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils and will not tolerate excessive heat or drought. Frost-sensitive, Eucryphia moorei will withstand temperatures dropping occasionally to -5 °C once well established, but its foliage will suffer from -2 °C.
Eucryphia moorei
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