Alchornea davidii

Alchornea davidii caused a sensation when it was presented in Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard in spring 2017: sparsely branching, this unusual species of the euphorbia family has bright fuchsia pink young shoots, visible from afar, and juvenile foliage of salmon pink unfolding into large pale yellow leaves that turn green in summer, and then beautiful autumn colors. Native to subtropical regions of China, it can nevertheless withstand our winters. Tolerant of limestone soils, this surprising bush with a festive appearance should thrive in many regions.

Originally from central and eastern China, Alchornea davidii (synonym Acalypha silvestrii) is a deciduous shrub belonging to the large family of Euphorbiaceae. In nature it is found in valleys, on slopes near waterways, and in deciduous forests. The few species that make up the genus Alchornea are mostly native to Africa and do not tolerate frost. This shrub loses its leaves in winter, sometimes tolerates -20°C by regrowing from the stump, and grows in any soil that is not too dry, well-drained, and sufficiently deep. 

With a moderately fast growth rate, this bush will rarely exceed 2m (6 ft 6 in) in height with a spread of 1m (3 ft 4 3 in) at maturity in European climates. Its habit is upright and narrow, supported by a few erect, contained branches. Its stump produces suckers, allowing it to spread in width over time. The trunk and young branches are slightly powdery, ranging in colour from brown to grey. In spring, the branches bear buds that are bright pink. They unfold into heart-shaped leaves, with a papyraceous texture, measuring 8-15 cm (3 - 6 in) long by 7-14 cm (2 - 6 in) wide. The undersides of the leaves are downy. Their colour is a soft salmon-pink that quickly turns to pale yellow and then to bright green, before taking on shades of orange and red in autumn. The colouration of the young leaves varies depending on their exposure, as well as the contrast between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Flowering occurs shortly after the appearance of the new leaves, in April-May, in the axils of the leaves along the branches. These are small clusters of flowers that will be either male or female, arranged in different locations on this plant that is classified as dioecious. The red floral buds open into discreet flowers, without petals, with greenish bracts and red stamens or red pistils depending on the sex of the flowers. The female inflorescences are slightly more developed than the male ones.

This bush offers fascinating spring colours that are rare in our European gardens. Its cold resistance and adaptability make it an excellent choice as a specimen plant in the middle of a lawn, or even better, mixed with white spring-flowering shrubs such as white spireas or serviceberries. It will also form a beautiful combination with a small climbing clematis with summer flowering that will soften its somewhat rigid habit in spring and flower on its branches in summer. Fans of pink and salmon foliage will also appreciate the Toona sinensis Flamingo and the Acer Brilliantissimum, with which it can be combined in a moist soil.