Nanmu
Phoebe sp.
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
This Phoebe is a broadleaf evergreen tree in the laurel family, Lauraceae, and a relative of the redbay and the avocado in the genus Persea. The genus Phoebe gathers more than fifty species of evergreen trees and shrubs across subtropical and tropical Asia, long known in China as nanmu and prized for hard, fine-textured, aromatic timber used in fine furniture and building since ancient times.
The Woodlanders plant grew from seed received from Nanjing, China, under the name Phoebe neurantha, which appears to be an invalid name. The tree seems close to Phoebe chekiangensis, a rare evergreen of southeastern China that has proven a very good landscape tree here in Aiken, South Carolina, holding glossy evergreen foliage and a clean, upright form.
As with many collector's trees grown from wild or foreign seed, the ultimate identity and mature size remain uncertain, so treat this Phoebe as a shared experiment. The glossy, leathery, aromatic leaves and dense, evergreen habit make the plant a handsome year-round presence whatever the final name proves to be, useful as a specimen, a screen, or a broadleaf-evergreen anchor in a warm-climate garden.
Give good, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil and ample room for the tree to develop, in sun to light shade and a sheltered spot at the cold edge of the range, roughly zones 8 and 9. Pair with camellias, ferns, and other broadleaf evergreens, and site where the aromatic foliage can be met at close range, keeping in mind that this is a plant for the curious grower as much as the collector.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist
- Mature size
- Height 20–35 Feet · Spread 15–20 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
Small, inconspicuous pale yellow-green flowers
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.