Melia azedarach 'Caroline'

Why Choose This Tree for Your Landscape?

Elegant, Fast-Growing Shade Tree – Forms a broad, spreading canopy, making it ideal for shade in gardens, parks, and streetscapes.

Fragrant Lilac-Purple Flowers – Produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in spring and early summer, creating a spectacular seasonal display.

Tough & Resilient – Thrives in drought, poor soils, and urban conditions, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.

Deciduous for Seasonal Interest – Offers cooling shade in summer while allowing sunlight through in winter, perfect for passive solar benefits.

Wildlife-Friendly – Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. The berries provide food for birds (note: toxic to humans and livestock).

Attractive Foliage & Autumn Color – Features delicate, feathery leaves that turn golden yellow before falling in autumn.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Melia azedarach 'Caroline' is highly adaptable and thrives in most soil conditions, including poor and dry soils:

Sandy Soil: Benefits from added organic matter to improve moisture retention.

Clay Soil: Can be compacted—improve with compost and sand for better aeration.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for strong root development and consistent growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range but prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.

Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the first few years. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, but you can prune for shape and remove dead or damaged branches as needed.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to support healthy growth.

Q: Can 'Caroline' White Cedar be used for hedging?
A: While it's typically grown as a specimen tree, you can use careful pruning to create a formal hedge with 'Caroline' White Cedar.

Q: Is it attractive to wildlife?
A: Yes, the fragrant spring flowers of 'Caroline' White Cedar attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Q: Does it have any special soil requirements?
A: 'Caroline' White Cedar prefers well-draining soil but is adaptable to various soil types.