The Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the Dove Tree, is a deciduous ornamental tree native to central and western China. This species is known for its distinctive spring floral display. The cultivar ‘Lady Sunshine’ introduces a striking, stable variegation to the foliage, making it a sought-after specimen. Its decorative leaves offer visual interest even before the tree reaches the maturity required for its reproductive structures to appear.
Identifying the ‘Lady Sunshine’ Variegation
The ‘Lady Sunshine’ cultivar is distinguished by its dramatic, two-toned foliage. The deciduous leaves feature a thick, irregular margin of creamy white or light yellow surrounding a central section of blue-green. This variegation pattern is stable, reliably appearing on new growth each season without reverting to solid green.
When the leaves first emerge in spring, the marginal banding often exhibits a brighter yellow hue, which softens to creamy white as the foliage matures through the summer. This coloration makes the ‘Lady Sunshine’ a focal point, contrasting sharply with the plain green species tree. The variegated nature also contributes to a slightly slower growth rate, often resulting in a more compact, dense form.
The Signature Dove Tree Flowers
The common name for Davidia involucrata is derived from its unique reproductive structure, which appears in late spring to early summer. The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous, forming a tight, purplish-red cluster about one to two centimeters in diameter. The surrounding leaf-like structures, known as bracts, provide the tree’s spectacular display.
Each flower head is subtended by two prominent, pendulous white bracts of unequal size. These modified leaves are delicate and papery, with the larger often measuring between 12 and 25 centimeters in length. When these bracts emerge in profusion, they hang from the branches, swaying gently.
This movement creates the visual effect of white doves perched in the canopy or handkerchiefs fluttering from the limbs, leading to monikers like Handkerchief Tree or Ghost Tree. The bracts’ primary function is to attract pollinators to the tiny, true flowers nestled within them, serving the same role as petals on a conventional bloom.
Ideal Planting and Environmental Needs
Successful establishment requires careful site selection, as the species prefers specific environmental conditions. Davidia involucrata thrives across USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8, though some cultivars may extend into zone 9. It needs a location protected from harsh winds, which can damage the delicate emerging bracts in spring.
The tree performs optimally in rich, consistently moist, and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0). While the species tolerates full sun, the variegated ‘Lady Sunshine’ cultivar benefits from partial shade, particularly protection from intense afternoon sun. This shade helps prevent the creamy white margins of the leaves from scorching, ensuring the variegation remains crisp and attractive throughout the growing season.
Long-Term Care and Pruning
Once the ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Tree is established, its long-term maintenance needs are relatively low. The tree requires minimal pruning, which should only be done to remove dead, damaged, or crossing limbs. Any necessary shaping or corrective pruning is best performed during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Due to the slower growth rate of the variegated selection, some gardeners choose to prune ‘Lady Sunshine’ to maintain a denser, more shrub-like form. During periods of dry weather, particularly in the summer, supplemental watering is necessary to ensure the soil remains consistently damp, as the tree does not tolerate prolonged drought. The species is rarely troubled by serious insect infestations or diseases.