Machilus

Machilus thunbergii

$38.00 Sold out

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 8-10

The Lauraceae is an underappreciated family. Its members include cinnamon, camphor, bay laurel, and the avocado, which gives you some sense of the range of things it has contributed to human civilization. Machilus thunbergii is another member in good standing, though it arrives in the Western garden with considerably less fanfare than its relatives. In East Asia it is well known: a coastal evergreen tree native to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam, valued for timber, planted as a street tree, and the source of makko, a powder derived from the bark and used for centuries to bind incense and, in a more practical application, to repel mosquitoes. The bark also has a history in traditional medicine. It is, in other words, a tree that has been useful to people for a very long time, which is not a bad thing for a plant to be.

In the Western garden it is valued for different reasons. The foliage is the primary draw: large, glossy, dark green leaves with a slightly glaucous underside that catch light differently depending on how you stand relative to them. New growth emerges in shades of copper and bronze before settling into the deep green of maturity, giving the canopy a layered seasonal interest that most broadleaf evergreens never manage. The form is upright and somewhat architectural, with flattened sprays of branches that give the tree a composed, deliberate quality in the landscape.

Woodlanders grows this from seed sourced from a tree of Korean origin growing in George Mitchell's garden here in Aiken, South Carolina, where it has proven completely hardy. That provenance matters: Machilus thunbergii is a coastal plant, and hardiness varies significantly by origin.

A note on taxonomy, since taxonomists cannot resist: the genus Machilus has been periodically absorbed into Persea by those who find it botanically indistinct, and periodically restored by those who disagree. The argument continues. We list it as Machilus here because that is how serious gardeners know it, and because taking sides in genus-level disputes is above our pay grade.

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Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 8-10
Sun Full Sun and Part Shade
Soil Well-drained and Loam
Mature size Height: 30-40 Feet / Spread: 15-20 Feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Seasonality Evergreen

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Flower Description:

  • Type and Arrangement: Machilus thunbergii produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically borne in clusters, known as panicles.
  • Color: The flowers are a pale yellow-green, blending subtly with the foliage.
  • Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring, depending on the climate.
  • Fragrance: The flowers have a mild, unnoticeable fragrance, primarily attracting small pollinators such as bees and flies.

Fruit Description:

  • Type: The fruit is a drupe (fleshy with a single seed inside).
  • Shape and Size: Small and oval-shaped, about 1–1.5 cm in diameter.
  • Color: Initially green, maturing to a deep purple or black when ripe.
  • Season: Fruits appear in late spring to early summer following flowering.
  • Wildlife Value: The fruits are a food source for birds and other wildlife.

Foliage Description:

  • Type: Evergreen, broad-leaved foliage that provides year-round interest.
  • Shape: Leaves are lanceolate to ovate with a pointed tip, measuring 5–12 cm in length.
  • Color: Glossy dark green on the upper surface with a paler green underside.
  • Texture: Smooth and leathery, with a prominent central vein.
  • Growth Habit: Dense and lush, forming a rounded or spreading canopy.
  • Seasonal Changes: The foliage remains consistently green throughout the year, adding stability to landscapes.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Overview:
Machilus thunbergii, commonly known as Red Machilus or Red-barked Machilus, is an evergreen tree native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Taiwan, and parts of China. Known for its attractive reddish-brown bark and dense, glossy foliage, this tree is a popular choice for gardens, parks, and naturalistic landscapes. It can also function as a shade tree or a windbreak in larger settings.

Light Requirements:

  • Full Sun to Partial Shade: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates where some protection from the harsh afternoon sun can prevent leaf scorch.

Soil Requirements:

  • Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, loamy soil but adapts to sandy or clay soils if properly amended.
  • pH Preference: Neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0).
  • Moisture: Requires consistently moist soil; avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot.

Watering:

  • Young Trees: Water deeply once or twice a week during the growing season.
  • Established Trees: Moderate drought tolerance but prefers regular watering during dry spells to maintain health and vigor.

Fertilization:

  • Frequency: Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer for optimal growth.
  • Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to enrich the soil.

Pruning:

  • Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Technique: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Light shaping can be done to maintain a natural form.

Temperature and Hardiness:

  • USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 8–11.
  • Temperature: Sensitive to severe frost; protect young trees with frost cloth in colder areas.

Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest-resistant, though it may occasionally be affected by scale insects or aphids.
  • Keep an eye out for fungal issues in overly wet conditions; ensure good air circulation around the tree.

Mulching:

  • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Growth Rate and Maintenance:

  • Growth Rate: Moderate; can grow 1–2 feet per year under ideal conditions.
  • Mature Size: Reaches 20–30 feet in height and 15–20 feet in spread.
  • Minimal maintenance is required once established.

Special Notes:

  • Machilus thunbergii is an important ecological species in its native habitat, supporting local wildlife.
  • Its dense foliage makes it an excellent option for creating privacy or shade in gardens.

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Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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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.

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