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

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera)

200L: Approx. 2.8m – 3m tall
100L: Approx. 1.8m tall
40cm/45L: Approx. 1.3m – 1.6m tall

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Size
Regular price
$550.00
Sale price
$550.00
Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
A GRADE STOCK, EVERY TIME.

Learn About Your New Sapium sebiferum - 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.

Plant Profile
Planting & Spacing Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Sapium sebiferum
GENUS:
Sapium
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
sebifera
COMMON NAME:
Chinese Tallow Tree
FAMILY:
Euphorbiaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Broad
  • Heart-Shaped
FORM & SHAPE
  • Rounded
  • Upright

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
  • Medium Growth Rate
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year

MATURE HEIGHT

6m - 12m Approximately

MATURE WIDTH

4 – 9 m

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
No

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Feature Tree
  • Shade Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Council or Civic Landscapes
  • Rural Property Planting
FLOWER COLOUR
Not Applicable
FLOWER TYPE
  • Clustered
FLOWERING PERIOD
  • Spring
  • Summer

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

Feature Planting: Plant 4 m – 6 m apart to showcase canopy

Shade or Habitat Planting: Plant 6 m – 9 m apart for broader crown development

Avenue or Landscape Use: 6 m – 8 m apart for consistent spacing in rows

Ensuring A Strong Start

How to Plant:

  • Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun.
  • Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
  • Place the tree in the hole at the correct depth.
  • Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve moisture.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

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: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (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)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

Caring for Sapium sebiferum:

  • Prune sparingly to maintain the desired shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
  • Water regularly during the establishment phase and dry periods to ensure healthy growth.
  • Appreciate the year-round beauty of the distinctive seeds, vibrant fall foliage, and ecological importance of the Chinese Tallow Tree in supporting wildlife.

Growing Your Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) in Various Soil Types

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Chinese Tallow Tree is adaptable but thrives best in:

  • Loam: Ideal for strong, even growth.
  • Clay: Will tolerate heavier soils if drainage is adequate. Consider improving drainage before planting.
  • Sandy Soil: Grows well, but benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
  • Poor Soils: Hardy enough to establish in low-nutrient soils but grows faster with organic matter added.

The key is well-draining soil and full sun to maximise form and seasonal colour

Here is what customers like you frequently ask

FAQ

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.

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