Chinese bishopwood (Bischofia polycarpa)

Also known as: Toon tree, Poison peach

Ginkgo biloba is a tree commonly used as an ornamental in China and is often planted along streets for its striking fan-shaped leaves. Despite its popularity in urban settings, it is not widely cultivated in regions prone to frost due to its vulnerability to cold weather. The tree's resilience to pollution makes it a favored choice for city landscapes.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Chinese bishopwood

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m

Spread

14 m

Leaf Color

Green, turning red in autumn

Flower Size

8 cm to 13 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Chinese bishopwood

Quickly Identify Chinese bishopwood

Bischofia polycarpa can be identified by its tall stature, pinnate leaves, and small purple fruits. The leaves are compound with serrated edges, and the tree has a smooth, grayish bark. In autumn, the leaves often turn a vibrant red before falling.

Scientific Classification of Chinese bishopwood

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Leaf-flower

Genus

Bischofia

Species

Chinese bishopwood

Planting and Growing of Chinese bishopwood

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

59-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water Chinese bishopwood?

Bischofia polycarpa needs approximately 500 ml of water per session. Make sure to water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure proper drainage to avoid water accumulation, which can lead to root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Chinese bishopwood? ›

What should I do if my Chinese bishopwood is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Chinese bishopwood? ›

How to save an overwatered Chinese bishopwood? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Chinese bishopwood?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Bischofia polycarpa prefers partial sun with a light range of 4 to 6 hours of consistent sunlight. Ideal lighting ensures robust growth, rich foliage coloration, and enhances the plant's resistance to pests.

What are the ideal lighting conditions? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting? ›

What benefits do ideal lighting conditions provide? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Chinese bishopwood?

Ideal Temperature: 59 ~ 77℉

Bischofia polycarpa thrives best in a temperature range of 59°F to 77°F, which facilitates optimal growth and development. This range supports healthy physiological processes and promotes lush foliage. Slight fluctuations are tolerable within this range, but stability is key for maximizing plant health.

What Soil is Best for Chinese bishopwood?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Bischofia polycarpa thrives in nutrient-rich soils that provide ample organic matter. This rich nutrient environment supports robust growth and vibrant foliage, crucial for maintaining the plant's health and appearance. The plant requires soil that can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Balancing moisture ensures that the roots are adequately hydrated, contributing to the overall vigor of Bischofia polycarpa. Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot and fungal diseases. Ensuring good drainage allows excess water to escape, protecting the plant's root health and promoting stability.

How to Fertilize Chinese bishopwood?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Bischofia polycarpa, the appropriate amount of fertilizer is crucial for optimal growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength for younger plants. For mature trees, a slightly stronger concentration can be applied, ensuring the ratio of nutrients is even to provide a broad spectrum of nourishment. Solid fertilizers should be used sparingly, with maximum application only during active growing seasons.

How to Prune Chinese bishopwood?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

To begin pruning Bischofia polycarpa, first identify any dead or diseased branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove these parts as close to the trunk as possible. This encourages healing and reduces the risk of disease spread. When shaping the tree, focus on removing branches that cross each other or grow inwards, as they may block sunlight and hinder air circulation. Aim to create an open structure that allows light to penetrate the canopy. If the tree has become too large, selectively reduce its size by cutting back the longest branches to maintain its aesthetic and prevent overcrowding. Always cut just above a bud facing the direction you want new growth to go. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Chinese bishopwood plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer, Early autumn

To propagate Bischofia polycarpa from seeds, fill seed trays with a well-draining potting mix, place the seeds evenly on top, and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist.

For cutting propagation, select healthy and semi-hardwood cuttings. Cut about 10-15 cm long segments and remove the lower leaves. Dip the bottom in rooting hormone to enhance root development.

Place the prepared cuttings in a pot filled with a suitable rooting medium. Ensure that at least one node is below the surface level. Water the cuttings thoroughly and maintain high humidity.

How to Repot Chinese bishopwood plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Bischofia polycarpa should be repotted when its roots start circling around the container, or when there is visible slowdown in growth. The optimal time to repot is during its growing seasons, spring and autumn, when the plant has enough energy to recover swiftly from the transplant shock. Avoid repotting in extreme weather conditions either too hot or cold as it stresses the plant further.

Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, about 1-2 inches wider, to give roots room to grow but not so much that soil becomes waterlogged. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot. A ceramic or clay pot allows the soil to dry out faster, is breathable, and helps in managing excess moisture, thus reducing the risk of fungal infections.

A well-draining soil mix composed of equal parts of peat, pine bark, and perlite is ideal for Bischofia polycarpa. This blend ensures good aeration and prevents water stagnation, thereby providing a balanced environment for root development. The soil should retain adequate moisture for plant hydration while also allowing excess water to drain away easily.