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| 18th December 2013 |
Planted in 2011-2012, the Chinese Parasol Tree, Firmiana simplex, has been causing quite a stir within the gardening team. Five years ago it was the giant leaves that gained its entry on to the blog, see entry for the 18th December 2013 'The Giant Leaf Of The Chinese Parasol Tree' but this time it is due to the numerous giant inflorescence that have never been seen before as this is the first time they have appeared. (Inflorescence: the complete flower head of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers). As with the leaves the size of the inflorescence needed to be measured, the size, 28 inches in diameter and 24 inches from top to bottom. Hidden from view, this rare tree is located at the far end of the Nash Courtyard, the production of flowers have taken the team by surprise but the floral spectacle has been well worth the wait. The large inflorescence contain many small fragrant flowers, cream and white in colour with a hint of pink, and the pollinators love them too.
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| 7th August 2018 (See how much it has grown in five years!) |
Hidden from view
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| Firmiana simplex, Chinese Parasol Tree |
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| Covered in giant inflorescence |
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| One giant inflorescence, 28 inches in diameter, 24 inches from top to bottom |
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| Buds and flowers |
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| Flowers |
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| The pollinating insects love the unusual flowers |
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