Chinese Tallow
Triadica sebifera · Euphorbiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around chinese tallow and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Tallow tree, Chinese tallow tree
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 10 to 15 m tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6 to 10 (tolerates down to -15°C)
- Origin
- East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Care
Exposure
Triadica sebifera prefers full sun to partial shade to develop a harmonious shape and beautiful fall coloring. A minimum of 6 hours of direct light per day promotes flowering and fruiting. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Watering
Water regularly and moderately after planting, keeping the soil slightly moist without saturating it. Once established, this tree tolerates summer drought well thanks to its deep root system. Reduce watering in winter.
Soil
This tree adapts to most well-drained soils: loamy, sandy, or even chalky. It tolerates poor and compacted soils. Avoid areas of chronic waterlogging that promote root rot.
Fertilizer
An application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Young trees benefit from moderate annual fertilization. Established specimens need only occasional feeding when refreshing the soil surface.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring before growth resumes. Remove dead, crossing, or poorly oriented branches. Light pruning shapes the natural form without stressing the tree. Avoid large wounds that heal slowly.
Diseases and pests
Triadica sebifera is generally little affected by common diseases under temperate climates. Watch for scale insects and aphids in case of water stress or on young shoots. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
Triadica sebifera has been valued for centuries in Asia for its fruits containing edible white wax, traditionally used to make candles and cosmetic products. Its flamboyant autumn foliage makes it highly prized in East Asia, where it turns brilliant orange and spectacular purple hues.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wood spurgeEuphorbia amygdaloides
- Caper spurgeEuphorbia lathyris
- Albanian spurgeEuphorbia characias
- Spiny spurgeEuphorbia spinosa
- Garden crotonCodiaeum variegatum
- Griffith's spurgeEuphorbia griffithii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.