Propagation
Sow fresh seed during autumn or spring in pots and place in a cold frame to germinate.

Take root cuttings taken during winter.
Young plants should be placed in a protective environment for the first year.

Note:
This tree tolerates light or hard pruning and can be coppiced or pollarded to encourage new larger foliage. The crown may be raised or lowered by removal of branches back to the collar.


Botanic information
Leaf: The large glossy dark gren ovate leaves are pubescent on both surfaces, but much denser on the underside. It can grow up to 300 mm (1ft) wide and develops a cordate base. The apex is acuminate and the petiole is long. The leaves are an attractive feature of the plant.

Flower: The pinkish-lilac tubulate flowers have 5-spreading lobes with purplish markings on the inside. They are arranged in an axillary upright panicle that appears before the leaves during spring.

Fruit: The large ovoid beaked capsule is accompanied by the persistent calyx and has a long stalk. The fruit contains winged seeds that are dispersed by wind. The seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.