Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera)

Size: 100L
Sale price$550.00

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.

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About This Tree

Botanical Profile

Explore the essential characteristics and growth habits of this plant, curated to assist you in making an inspired and confident choice for your landscape.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height:


6 – 12 m

Mature Width:

4 – 9 m

Expected Growth Pear Year

Approx. 1 – 1.5 m per year

  • Medium Growth Rate
Evergreen/ Deciduous

Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Sunlight Tolerance
  • Full Sun
Form & Shape

Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera) is considered:

  • Rounded
  • Upright
Australian Native?

No

Flowering Information

Flower Colour: Not Applicable

Flower Type:

  • Clustered

Flowering Period

  • Spring
  • Summer
Foliage Type / Shape
  • Broad
  • Heart-Shaped

As Featured In

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.

About

Planting Guide

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

How to Plant Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium sebiferum / Triadica sebifera)

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 / 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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