Amazingly tolerant of drought, urban conditions and alkaline soils, the pretty glossy dark green foliage of the hardy rubber tree casts welcome shade. An upright-branching deciduous tree from central China, it will eventually grow a canopy that is broadly domed.
The long, tapering oval leaves are attractively dark glossy green. When torn a weblike-netting of rubbery fibers is exuded from the leaf tissues. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, inconspicuous green flowers appear, male flowers on a separate plant that the female ones. Female trees will produce winged green fruits in summer. There is no fall leaf color display, but the unusual architectural form of the trunk and branches is worthwhile.
Grow hardy rubber tree in full sun in any soil that never becomes soggy. From acidic to highly alkaline in pH, the soil can be either fertile or rocky and lean so long as it is well-drained. Although always slow growing, it is best if protected from winds that can dry out the foliage and young twigs (thus potentially limiting in the American Midwest and Great Plains). In nutrient-poor soils add a top-dressing mulch to improve its qualities. Use this plant to bring welcoming shade to the concrete jungles and network of asphalt roadways as a street or shade tree. It is also great in large lawns, campus or golf course settings.
For live plants, we can't send them to Alaska and Hawaii. If the order has already been placed, we will cancel it.
Happy Gardening!
