Melia - Neem tree: planting and growing

Botany and description

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The botanical genus Melia, known for its most famous species, Melia azedarach (Neem tree or Persian lilac), belongs to the family Meliaceae. The genus Melia includes five species: Melia dubia (syn. Melia composita), Melia floribunda, Melia candoleii, Melia parasitica, and Melia azedarach.

Species of the genus Melia are primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. They are adapted to a variety of climates, ranging from warm temperate zones to tropical areas. Melia species can be found naturally in diverse habitats. They generally prefer well-drained soils and can be found in forests, wooded areas, and sometimes in urban zones where they are planted as ornamental trees. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions.

The Neem tree, or Melia azedarach, is a tree that captures attention at first glance. Upright with natural elegance, it boasts a rounded, sometimes asymmetrical silhouette that can reach up to 15 metres in height. Its presence in a garden or urban landscape is all the more remarkable due to its majestic habit and well-defined layers.

The bark of the Neem tree, grey-brown in colour, tells the story of its growth over the years, slightly cracking with age. The foliage is deciduous and is a spectacle in its own right. Its pinnate leaves, delicate and light, create a play of shadows and light, particularly soothing on sunny days. The colour of the leaves is green in season, turning yellow in autumn.

In spring, the Neem tree adorns itself with clusters of small lilac or purple flowers, releasing a subtle and pleasant fragrance. Each flower is small, with five petals. The floral clusters can be quite large, giving the tree a very floriferous and spectacular appearance in spring. These flowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also a gathering point for bees and butterflies.

An exquisite flowering (© HQ)

Fruiting follows flowering, giving rise to spherical drupes, initially green and then yellowing as they ripen. These fruits, while decorative, should be handled with care as they are toxic to humans. The Neem tree reaches sexual maturity quite quickly, often just a few years after planting.

The fruits of the Neem tree. Photo on the right ©Wikimedia Commons

Inside each fruit, seeds await their turn to perpetuate the life cycle of this remarkable tree. These seeds are generally brown, hard, and smooth, with a modest size, suitable for dispersal by birds and other animals that consume the fruits.

The Neem tree is not just an ornamental tree; it is also used in various traditional practices, notably for its medicinal and insecticidal properties.
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Some varieties

Melia azedarach

Small deciduous tree with compound leaves, notable for its summer flowering in panicles of fragrant mauve lilac flowers, followed by clusters of pale yellow fruits that remain decorative after leaf fall. Discreet, it easily integrates into a collection of evergreen bushes.

• Période de floraison June to August
• Hauteur à maturité 9 m

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Melia azedarach Jade Snowflake

Melia Jade Snowflake is a cultivar that was introduced to the states of Georgia and South Carolina around 1830. This 'Jade Snowflake' cultivar features light, pinnate foliage randomly marbled with various shades of white and green.

• Période de floraison June to August
• Hauteur à maturité 9 m

See the full description

Planting the Neem Tree

Where to plant?

The Neem tree prefers well-sunny areas. A location that receives full sun for most of the day is ideal for its growth and flowering. However, it can thrive in partial shade, or even in shade for variegated varieties, although it will be less floriferous in such conditions.

It adapts to a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soils. Therefore, avoid areas where water tends to stagnate.

Choose a location sheltered from strong winds, as its wood is quite brittle.

Although it is resilient and adaptable, the Neem tree grows best in regions with a temperate to tropical climate. It can withstand short periods of frost, but extremely low temperatures can damage the tree. It is indeed only hardy down to -9°C and in well-drained soil.

Given its potential size and spreading habit, it is important to plant the Neem tree in a sufficiently large space to accommodate its growth. Additionally, as the fruits of the Neem tree are toxic to humans and some pets, it is advisable to plant this tree a certain distance away from children’s play areas or zones frequented by pets.

Melia Azedarach ( ©Wendy Cutler)

When to plant?

In temperate regions, planting is best done in early spring (April), as soon as the risk of frost has passed. This allows the tree to establish itself during the growing season before facing its first winter. In regions with a milder climate, it is better to plant in October.

How to plant?

1. Dig the hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and slightly deeper. This allows the roots to spread easily into the surrounding soil.
2. Placement of the tree: Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen the roots if they are tangled. Place the tree in the hole so that the base of the trunk, the collar, is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Filling the hole: Fill the hole with the original soil, lightly compacting it to eliminate air pockets. Be careful not to bury the collar.
4. Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting to establish good contact between the roots and the soil. This will also help reduce transplant stress.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and protect the roots.
6. Post-planting care: Water the tree regularly during the first growing seasons, especially during dry periods. Regular water supply is crucial for developing a healthy root system.

Maintenance of Melia

The Melia azedarach, or margosa tree, is a relatively easy tree to maintain.

In terms of watering, it requires particular attention when young to ensure it establishes well. Once established, the margosa tree tolerates drought well, but regular watering during periods of intense heat or prolonged drought helps maintain its vigour.

Regarding pruning, the margosa tree can be pruned to control its shape and size or to remove damaged or poorly placed branches. Pruning is best at the end of winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth. However, excessive pruning is not necessary, as the tree has a beautiful natural shape.

Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture, reduces competition from weeds, and provides additional nutrients as it decomposes.

Melia azedarach (© Luc Coekaerts)

Parasites and diseases

The Melia, although generally robust and resistant to many pests and diseases, is not entirely free from certain issues. Among the most common are insect attacks such as aphids, which can cluster on young shoots and leaves, sucking the sap and weakening the tree. These aphid infestations often leave a sticky residue, known as honeydew, which can encourage the development of sooty mould, a blackish fungus that forms on the leaves.

Additionally, the Neem tree can sometimes be affected by fungal diseases, particularly when conditions are humid or if air circulation around the tree is poor. These diseases frequently manifest as spots or discolouration on the leaves. However, there is no need for concern, as these issues are relatively rare and rarely require intervention.

Autumn fruiting (© Mauro Halpern)

Multiplication of Melia

Sowing seeds is the most natural and common method. Seeds, once extracted from their fruits, should be planted shortly after harvest for better germination. The germination process can be facilitated by soaking the seeds in water overnight before sowing. Planting is generally done in spring in well-drained substrate and under moderate temperature conditions.

In addition to sowing, the Neem tree can also be propagated by cuttings, although this method is less common. Propagation by cuttings involves taking young shoots or stems from the current year’s growth, preferably in early summer, and planting them in a mixture of potting soil and sand to encourage rooting. Rooting is promoted by a warm, humid environment, and the cuttings should be carefully monitored to ensure their success.

How to pair a Melia azedarach?

Consider creating a harmonious understorey beneath the Neem tree, where hostas, with their lush and varied leaves, can thrive in the dappled shade. Ferns, such as the ostrich fern or the male fern, provide delicate green foliage that contrasts beautifully with the more robust structure of the Neem tree.

To complement the spring flowering of the Neem tree, consider shrubs like azaleas or rhododendrons, which bring a burst of colour at the same time. Their vibrant flowers and evergreen foliage add depth and texture beneath the Neem tree.

Near the base of the tree, groundcovers such as lesser periwinkle or common ivy can spread, creating a lush green carpet that offsets the height of the Neem tree. These plants are hardy and low-maintenance, pairing well with the easy-going nature of the Neem tree.

For ongoing seasonal interest, incorporate perennials that bloom in summer or autumn, such as daylilies or asters, to maintain the visual appeal of the garden even after the Neem tree’s flowering has ended.

Melia azedarach, ostrich fern, Rhododendron ‘Blue Tit’ flowering at the same time, and Asters cordifolius ‘Little Carlow’ which will bloom in late summer.

Anecdotes

• Prayer Tree: In Turkey and other regions, the Neem tree is nicknamed “the prayer tree” because its hard, smooth seeds have traditionally been used to make prayer beads.
• Music and Medicine: In some cultures, Neem wood is used to make musical instruments, while in others, it is valued for its medicinal properties. Its leaves, fruits, and bark have been used in traditional medicine (in China and Australia) to treat various ailments.
• Symbol of Resilience: The Neem tree is often planted in urban areas for its ability to withstand pollution. Its endurance in harsh conditions makes it a symbol of resilience and a popular choice for urban landscaping.
• Natural Insecticide: The fruits and leaves of the Neem tree are known for their natural insecticidal properties. They have been used in many cultures to protect crops and homes from harmful insects, highlighting the importance of this tree in traditional agricultural practices.