Emmenopterys Henryi (Xiang guo - Flora of China)

Native to China and Vietnam, it is a deciduous, hardy tree with spreading branches and sweetly scented white flowers, growing to 45metres over 1000 years. Here they achieve 12metres but can be slow and shy of flowering needing long hot summers following cold winters.

Happy on acid, alkaline or clay soils that are moist but well drained, in a southerly or westerly position avoiding persistent strong winds.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.