Sapium Sebiferum (syn. Triadica Sebifera) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Enquire within for height guide information.
100L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m - 12m Approximately

Mature Width: 4 – 9 m

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year.

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

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About Your New Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree

Sapium sebiferum, known as the Chinese Tallow Tree or Popcorn Tree, is a medium-sized deciduous feature tree prized for its eye-catching autumn colours. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves shift from green in spring and summer to vivid reds, purples, and golds in autumn, creating excellent seasonal contrast.

Growing 6–8 metres tall with a compact, upright to rounded canopy, it suits medium gardens, streetscapes, and parks where space and impact matter. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, tolerates urban conditions, and requires minimal maintenance once established—making it an excellent choice for adding strong seasonal colour without overpowering the landscape.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Shade Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes
Rural Property Planting

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree works in an:

Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree Evergreen or Deciduous?

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m - 12m Approximately

Mature Width: 4 – 9 m

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year.

Growth Rate of Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree

Is Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree frost tolerant?

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree Flower?

Chinese Tallow Tree produces slender clusters of pale yellow-green flowers in late spring. While not ornamental, these small blooms form at the branch tips and provide a light pollen source before developing into distinctive three-lobed seed capsules.

Does Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree an Australian Native Tree?

No

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree is Native to Eastern Asia, particularly China and Taiwan, where it grows in lowland forests, river valleys, and subtropical regions.

What is the Wildlife Value of Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree ?

Its flowers support bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects, while the seed capsules attract birds and beneficial wildlife. The dense canopy offers shelter for small birds, and the foliage supports a variety of insects, contributing to a more biodiverse garden ecosystem.

How much Sunlight does Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree need?

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Chinese Tallow Tree performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can manage poorer soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged ground unless improved with organic matter to enhance aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support healthy growth and reliable seasonal colour.

Is Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree Drought Tolerant?

Is Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Chinese Tallow Tree develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry conditions, though deep, occasional watering during extended heat helps maintain its vibrant autumn foliage.

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How To Plant Your Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree is expected to grow Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Triadica sebifera - Chinese Tallow Tree in Different Soil

Triadica sebifera performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the Chinese Tallow Tree a good feature plant?
A: Its vivid autumn foliage in red, orange, and purple makes it a seasonal standout, ideal for contrast planting.

Q: Is Sapium sebiferum drought-tolerant?
A: It handles moderate drought well once established, especially in well-drained soils.

Q: Does it create a mess with its fruit?
A: The white seed capsules can fall and may be noticeable, but they’re relatively easy to manage in garden settings.