Silk Handkerchief Tree

Silk Handkerchief Tree (Maniltoa lenticellata) is a tropical rainforest tree from Far North Queensland that grows to about 10m to 12m tall and 6m wide in gardens. Its claim to fame is the new growth, which hangs in weeping tassels of pale pink to white, like silk handkerchiefs draped over the branches. It is a shade and feature tree for medium to large frost-free gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Weeping tassels of new growth. Large clusters of pale pink to white new leaves hang like flowers, then harden to glossy dark green.
• Real flowers as well. True spring flowers are white, fringed and fruit-scented, and emerge straight out of the branches.
• Three seasons of interest. The new growth, the spring flowers and then large oval brown seedpods give the tree something to show for much of the year.
• Good for wildlife. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, and they are pollinated by mammals.
• Fast, then steady. It grows fast to a good size and slows down after that, which suits a new garden that needs height while other plants catch up.

Where it works best

Shade tree for large gardens. Allow about 6m of clear space around it, and keep it away from buildings and paths. The dense canopy casts excellent shade.

Feature tree. The weeping new growth deserves a clear view, so place it where you can see it from a deck, a path or a window.

Establishing height in a new garden. Fast early growth makes it a good choice for getting height and maturity into a new garden quickly.

Growing Silk Handkerchief Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, in a frost-free, humid position. It loves humidity and plenty of water or rain, so it suits tropical and frost-free subtropical gardens. It is not a plant for frost-prone areas.

Soil. A deep, mulched soil that holds moisture and drains freely suits it. Mulch keeps the roots cool through the humid months.

Water and feed. Water deeply and regularly while it establishes, and keep up the water in dry spells, because it loves plenty of water or rain. A slow release fertiliser in spring supports the early growth.

Pruning. Allow plenty of space for its mature size, unless you plan to hard prune it regularly.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silk Handkerchief Tree as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly), in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and as single 300mm pots. Tube stock is the low cost way to start, the 140mm pots suit a group planting, and the single 300mm pot gives a head start on a feature spot. Plant out soon after arrival, mulch well and expect steady growth in warm, humid weather.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower, and supply comes and goes. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, so press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Australian native trees
• Feature trees for large gardens
• Tropical plants for warm gardens
• The best shade trees for Australian gardens

Common questions

Does it need a frost-free climate?

Yes. It is a tropical rainforest tree that loves humidity, so it suits tropical and frost-free subtropical gardens. In frosty or dry regions, choose a different shade tree.

How big does it get?

About 10m to 12m tall and 6m wide in a garden. Allow plenty of room, or plan to prune it hard regularly if space is tight.

Are the tassels the flowers?

No. The weeping tassels are new leafy growth in pale pink to white. The true flowers appear in spring, are white and fringed, and come out of the branches, followed by large oval seedpods.