Chinese Mahogany 40/60cm (5L)

Chinese Mahogany – Toona sinensis is a decidedly handsome deciduous tree that brings a touch of the exotic to gardens with its elegant pinnate foliage and distinctive aromatic qualities. The young spring leaves emerge in spectacular shades of bronzy-pink to deep crimson, creating a breathtaking display before maturing to a rich green throughout summer. This striking seasonal colour change makes it a valuable addition for those seeking year-round interest, whilst the compound leaves, which can reach up to 50cm in length, provide a lush, tropical appearance that belies its hardy nature.

The foliage of Toona sinensis is not merely ornamental; it possesses a pleasant onion-garlic aroma when crushed, and in its native China, the young shoots are actually harvested as a popular culinary herb. The tree develops an attractive, upright habit with a spreading crown as it matures, and in summer it may produce small, white, fragrant flowers held in pendulous panicles, though flowering is more reliable in warmer seasons. The bark becomes increasingly fissured and characterful with age, adding winter interest once the leaves have fallen.

This tree thrives in a sheltered position where it receives full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for a range of garden situations. The vibrant spring foliage colour is most intense when the tree is grown in a sunny spot with protection from cold winds, which can damage the tender new growth. Toona sinensis appreciates a fertile, well-drained soil that retains some moisture during the growing season, though it will tolerate most soil types once established, including slightly alkaline conditions.

Care Guide

Plant your Chinese Mahogany in spring after the risk of severe frost has passed, allowing the root system to establish before winter. Choose a location that offers shelter from strong winds and late spring frosts, which can scorch the emerging foliage. A south or west-facing position is ideal, particularly in cooler regions where the extra warmth will encourage the best foliage colour and potential flowering.

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to help establish a strong root system, particularly during dry spells. Once established, Toona sinensis is reasonably drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering during extended dry periods in summer. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base each spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients as it breaks down.

Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support the vigorous new growth. The tree requires minimal pruning, though you can remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter whilst dormant. Avoid heavy pruning as this can spoil the natural shape. Young trees may benefit from staking for the first couple of years to ensure straight growth, particularly in exposed positions.

In colder areas, consider providing some fleece protection for young plants during their first winter, as juveniles can be more susceptible to frost damage than mature specimens. Container-grown plants should be moved to a sheltered spot during severe weather. Watch for any signs of pest or disease, though Toona sinensis is generally trouble-free and resilient once established.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
8–12 metres

Please note: Decorative pots shown are for display purposes only. Your tree will be supplied in a standard plastic nursery pot shown in the other pictures.