Michelia doltsopa is one of the best ever flowering trees. A new variety has made this tree even more suitable to the home garden as it is more compact and yet flowers more profusely.
Details
Common name: Silver Cloud
Botanic name: Michelia doltsopa ‘Silver Cloud’. The genus name Michelia is named after a Florentine botanist, Michel. It is from the same family as the Magnolia.
Climate: It is a warm to sub-tropical tree that will grow from Tasmania to Brisbane. It is native to China.
Good points:
- The new variety ‘Silver Cloud’ is smaller and neater than the original Michelia doltsopa, reaching a height of 4.5m (15′). Whereas the species will grow up to 10m (30′).
- It flowers at a younger age than the species.
- Its smaller leaves are more in proportion to the home garden.
- Soft, pale creamy white flowers with a tropical perfume. Flowering lasts three to four months. Flowering begins in mid to late winter.
- Foliage becomes more dense as the tree grows.
Downsides:
- As a grafted plant ‘Silver Cloud’ is quite expensive.
- Young plants in 20cm (8″) pots tend to look thin and ratty (but will develop into a magnificent specimen).
- As a new variety they will be difficult to find.
Uses:
- Fragrant tree with stunning flowers as a feature plant in the front or backyard.
- Could also be used as a tall screen or hedge.
Likes:
- Sunny position in well-drained soil.
- Frost tolerant.
- To be left alone. Once well established will not tolerate being moved.
Getting started:
The grafted variety ‘Silver Cloud’ will be difficult to find in most states of Australia. Good stocks are available in Melbourne. There will be more on the market from January 1998. Retail prices vary greatly from around $27 to $42 for a 20cm (8″) pot and from $100 to $150 for a 50cm (20″) pot.
