Photo by Karl Gercens III
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Firmiana simplex
Also Known As
- Chinese Parasol Tree
Plant type
tree
size
- H: 30'-40'
- W: 15'-20'
planting zones
- 7b-10b
Firmiana simplex plant details
Firmiana simplex is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In summer cream flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Firmiana simplex
- Plant type: tree
- Plant family: malvaceae
- Foliage: deciduous green
- Mature size: 15 FT - 20 FT - wide, 30 FT - 40 FT - tall
- Flowers: cream blooms in summer
- Uses: big leaves, potentially invasive, tropical-looking
GROWING CONDITIONS for Firmiana simplex
- USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
- Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
- Watering frequency: regular - low
- Resistant to: heat and humidity
- Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
This is truly a tree that has to be seen to be believed! This 30-50' tree has huge (up to one foot across!)lobed leaves which are bright-green above a slightly fuzzy below. Summer brings lighty-scented, showy, chartreuse blooms which hang in clusters 12 inches long. Flowers become interesting leathery pods which split open in autumn to expose showy seeds. It is also called varnish tree for the varnish-like liquid that is released when the pods open. It is often used in as the wood for Chinese musical instruments. In stories, it is also the perching spot of the legendary phoenix bird. It can be invasive in tropical locations. S/M
By: Forestfarm
(Chinese Parasol Tree) Uncommon tree with lobed HUGE tropical looking leaves 12" across… greenish white bark with vertical silver streaks… this tree commands attention! Small clusters of greenish white flowers followed by 4 petaled dried pods add interest. Wood is used in Chinese musical instruments. This deciduous tree in the chocolate family can grow to 40' tall and 20' wide, but it usually about half that…most soils, sun to part shade, regular water but drought tolerant when established. Ew-hoo!
Firmiana simplex (Chinese Parasol tree) is an interesting tree that grows 30 -40 feet tall. The trunk is green when young but turns a light gray with age. The trees has huge leaves in the shape of dinosaur foot prints and are around 1 foot wide. This plant is hardy in zone 6 and zone 5 if protected.
Foliage: Large green divided leaves
Flowers: White flowers
Height: 30 to 40 feet
Parasol tree, native of southeast China to Japan. Tropical-looking, deciduous tree, in the chocolate family, to about 20-30 ft under garden conditions with few but thick branches on a stout trunk of bright green bark and huge leaves -- 18" to even 2 ft across, like giant maple leaves -- on vigorous plants. A perfect addition to the tropical garden. Small, greenish flowers and pleasing lemon-yellow fall color, for us in late Nov. and Dec. Prefers evenly moist soil and good drainage; loves a little organic matter and regular summer moisture; though somewhat drought tolerant, the leaves would be smaller. Too seldom offered. Fine throughout USDA zone 8 with many specimens found growing in zone 7; a freezeback plant in USDA zone 6. Robust gallon plants.
By: Cistus Nursery
Garden photo gallery of Firmiana simplex
Gardening facts about Firmiana simplex plant
How to Grow Firmiana simplex
Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- clay
- acidic
- alkaline
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- cream
Flower Season
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous
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