The ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata ‘Lady Sunshine’) is a distinctive ornamental deciduous tree. It is valued for its unique visual appeal, with striking foliage and an unusual floral display that enhances any landscape.
Distinguishing Features of ‘Lady Sunshine’
The ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Tree stands out with its unique variegation pattern. Its heart-shaped leaves feature vibrant creamy-white or pale yellow margins that contrast with green centers, creating a luminous effect. This variegation is particularly striking in spring, though the creamy edges may soften in hotter climates as summer progresses. The foliage provides significant interest even before the tree’s famed blooms appear.
In late spring to early summer, the tree produces its iconic “dove-like” white bracts. These large, leaf-like structures surround the small, purplish-red flowers. They typically appear in pairs of unequal size, with one bract measuring up to 10 inches and the other around 6 inches. These delicate bracts flutter gracefully in the slightest breeze, creating the illusion of white doves in flight or handkerchiefs draped from the branches, giving the tree its common names.
Planting Your Dove Tree
Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade. In warmer regions, afternoon shade is recommended to protect the variegated foliage from scorching. The ideal soil should be rich in organic matter, consistently moist, and well-drained, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
To assess soil drainage, dig a 12-inch wide and deep hole, fill it with water, allow it to drain, then refill and time the dissipation. Well-drained soil recedes at approximately one inch per hour. When planting, incorporate organic amendments into the backfill soil to improve fertility and moisture retention. After placing the tree, backfill the hole and water deeply to settle the soil around the root ball. Avoid mounding mulch directly against the trunk.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
The ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Tree requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry spells. While established trees tolerate brief periods of dryness, maintaining consistently damp to moist soil is beneficial for health. Deep, infrequent watering is more effective than shallow, frequent applications, encouraging deeper root development. Wilting leaves during summer droughts signal a need for thorough watering.
Young ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Trees generally do not require fertilization for the first two to three years after planting. For established trees in organically rich soil, additional feeding may be unnecessary, as they often obtain sufficient nutrients. If supplemental nutrients are desired, apply a slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
This tree requires minimal pruning, primarily for shaping or removing damaged or dead branches. The best time for structural pruning is mid to late winter when the tree is dormant. Remove any damaged or dead branches as they appear, cutting beyond the breakage and just above a healthy branch. The ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases, though routine monitoring helps identify issues promptly. It also exhibits deer resistance.
Integrating into Your Landscape
The ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Tree typically grows at a moderate pace, gaining 18 to 24 inches annually. It can reach a mature height of 30 to 40 feet with a spread of 20 to 30 feet, forming an upright, rounded, or broad pyramidal habit. This tree is suitable for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 through 8.
Given its size and distinctive appearance, the ‘Lady Sunshine’ Dove Tree serves as an excellent specimen or focal point in the landscape. Its unique foliage and floral display make it ideal for prominent locations like lawns or near entryways. It also integrates well into woodland borders, where its variegated leaves brighten shadier areas. The tree’s mature canopy provides shade, making it suitable for planting near patios, decks, or other outdoor living spaces. In autumn, the foliage may transition to muted yellow, orange, or red tones, adding another layer of seasonal interest. Its orange-brown, scaly bark also contributes to its appeal.