Melia - Neem Tree: Planting and Growing

Botany and description

The botanical genus Melia, best known for its most famous species, Melia azedarach (Chinaberry or Persian lilac), belongs to the Meliaceae family. The Melia genus comprises five species: Melia dubia (syn. Melia composita), Melia Floribunda, Melia candoleii, Melia parasitica and Melia azedarach.

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

The Chinaberry, or Melia azedarach, is a tree that captivates attention at first glance. Standing with natural elegance, it displays 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 thanks to its majestic habit and well-defined tiers.

The Chinaberry’s greyish-brown bark tells the story of its growth over the years, cracking slightly with age. The foliage is deciduous and proves to be a spectacle in itself. Its pinnate leaves, delicate and light, create a play of shadow and light, particularly soothing on sunny days. The leaf colour is green in season, turning yellow in autumn.

In spring, the Chinaberry adorns itself with clusters of small lilac or purple flowers, emitting a subtle and pleasant fragrance. Each flower is small, with five petals. The floral clusters can be quite voluminous, 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.

Exquisite flowering (© HQ)

Fruiting follows flowering, producing spherical drupes, initially green then yellowing as they ripen. These fruits, although decorative, should be handled with care as they are toxic to humans. The Chinaberry reaches sexual maturity relatively quickly, often just a few years after planting.

Chinaberry fruits. Right photo ©Wikimedia Commons

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

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

A few varieties

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Planting the Neem Tree

Where to plant?

The Neem tree prefers sunny locations. A spot 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, though it will be less floriferous in these conditions.

It adapts to various 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 hardy and adaptable, the Neem tree thrives best in temperate to tropical climates. It can withstand short periods of frost, but extremely low temperatures can damage the tree. It is 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 at a distance from children’s play areas or places frequented by pets.

Melia Azedarach ( ©Wendy Cutler)

When to plant?

In temperate regions, planting is best done in early spring (April), once all risk of frost has passed. This allows the tree to establish itself during the growing season before facing its first winter. In milder climates, it is better planted in October.

How to plant?

1. Dig the hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball 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 coiled. 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 firming 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 shock.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots.
6. Aftercare: Water the tree regularly during the first growing seasons, especially during dry spells. Regular watering is crucial for the development of a healthy root system.

Maintenance of Melia

The Melia azedarach or chinaberry tree is a relatively low-maintenance tree.

When it comes to watering, it requires particular attention when young to ensure proper establishment. Once established, the chinaberry tree is quite drought-tolerant, but regular watering during periods of intense heat or prolonged drought helps maintain its vigour.

Regarding pruning, the chinaberry tree can be pruned to control its shape and size or to remove damaged or poorly positioned branches. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. However, excessive pruning isn’t necessary as the tree has a naturally attractive form.

Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture, reduce weed competition and provide additional nutrients as it decomposes.

Melia azedarach (© Luc Coekaerts)

Pests and diseases

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

Additionally, the Neem Tree may occasionally be affected by fungal diseases, particularly when conditions are humid or if air circulation around the tree is poor. These diseases often appear as spots or discolouration on the leaves. However, there’s no need to worry—these problems are relatively rare and seldom require intervention.

Autumn fruiting (© Mauro Halpern)

Propagation of Melia

Sowing seeds is the most natural and common method. The seeds, once extracted from their fruits, should be planted shortly after the harvest for better germination. The germination process can be facilitated by soaking the seeds in water overnight before sowing. Planting is usually done in spring in a 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, preferably in early summer, and planting them in a mixture of compost and sand to encourage rooting. Rooting is promoted by a warm and 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 shade of 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, offer delicate green foliage that contrasts beautifully with the sturdier structure of the Neem tree.

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

Near the base of the tree, ground covers such as Lesser periwinkle or common ivy can spread, creating a lush green tapetum that balances the height of the Neem tree. These plants are hardy and low-maintenance, pairing well with the Neem tree’s easy-going nature.

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

Melia azedarach, Ostrich fern, Rhododendron ‘Blue Tit’ flowering simultaneously, and Aster cordifolius ‘Little Carlow’ which will bloom in late summer.

Anecdotes

• Bead Tree: In Turkey and other regions, the Neem Tree is nicknamed the “Bead Tree” because its hard, smooth seeds have traditionally been used to make rosaries.
• Music and Medicine: In some cultures, the wood of the Neem Tree 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 harvests and homes from harmful insects, highlighting the importance of this tree in traditional agricultural practices.