Chinese crab apple Bonsai tree

Source Data

Xanthoceras sorbifolium fresh seeds, Yellowhorn, Shiny leaf yellowhorn, Goldenhorn, Chinese flowering chestnut, Peanuts tree, Organic (lat. Xanthoceras sorbifolium).

A monotypic genus of deciduous trees, part of the Sapindaceae family. The only species is Xanthoceras sorbifolium.

Deciduous tree up to 8 m high with a dense pyramidal crown. The branches are quite thick, erect, and softly hairy when young.

Leaves are alternate, without stipules, imparipinnate, with 9–17 leaflets, 20–25 cm long. Leaflets are sessile, usually opposite, sometimes alternate, lanceolate, 3–5 cm long, 0.7–1.2 cm wide, sharply serrate, leathery , dark green above, light below.

The inflorescence is a dense, multi-flowered raceme, 15-25 cm long, located at the ends of the shoots and shortened lateral branches. The flowers are white, regular, bisexual and staminate, up to 4 cm in diameter, on pedicels about 1.5 cm long.

The fruit is a triangular-ovoid or elliptical capsule, up to 5 cm in diameter. Seeds are up to 1.8 cm long, 1.5 cm in diameter, edible.

One of the most beautiful ornamental plants, valuable for its abundant flowering and beautiful bright greenery that lasts until late autumn.

Does not tolerate stagnation of water, especially at a young age. Prefers good loamy soil, but does well in most well-drained fertile substrates in a sunny position. Loves a warm, dry environment and requires protection from cold winds.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 (-34°C to -29°C).

Instructions

1. Growing Chinese crab apple Bonsai tree (Malus hupehensis) from seed is a rewarding process. Follow these guidelines for best results.
2. Seed Preparation: Cold stratification is required. Place seeds in moist sand or vermiculite in a sealed bag and refrigerate at 1–5°C for 4–8 weeks before sowing. Some species may require 60–90 days of cold stratification for optimal germination.
3. Sowing: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in well-draining seed compost. Water gently and keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright location at 18–22°C.
4. Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 2–12 weeks after stratification. Germination may be sporadic — do not discard pots if no seedlings appear within the expected timeframe.
5. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 2–3 pairs of true leaves. Harden off gradually over 7–10 days before planting in final position. Space according to the mature size of the species.
6. Aftercare: Water regularly during the first growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain shape.
7. Hardiness: Hardy in most temperate climates. Suitable for USDA zones 4–8 depending on species. Established plants can tolerate winter temperatures well below freezing.

Gallery

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review!

Questions & Answers

No questions yet. Ask the first!