Chinese Mahogany

Toona sinensis (commonly known as Chinese Cedar or Chinese Mahogany) is a striking specimen tree that brings exceptional drama to the garden with its transitional, colour shifting foliage. In Spring, the emerging pinnate leaves open in a wonderous display of bright flamingo-pink, gradually morphing to creamy-yellow and soft pink-white before maturing to a lush, glossy dark green in Summer. By Autumn, the foliage turns a rich butter-yellow. The leaves emit a distinctive, sweet aromatic fragrance when crushed, and young tender shoots are widely cultivated in Asian cuisine as a savoury vegetable. Over time, it forms an upright, architectural tree with attractive peeling, flaking bark.

Site: Tolerates some mild exposure
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile
Position: Full sun for the best leaf colouration; shelter from severe winds
Season of interest: Spring to Autumn for excellent coloured foliage
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 8–12m (26–39ft) Spread: 4-6 m (13–20ft)

Image 1 -3 by Leonora (Ellie) Enking cropped and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0