Family Meliaceae
Originating from Eastern Asia & Australasia
- An elegant, fast-growing canopy-forming deciduous tree with huge leaves.
- Tiny white flowers in panicles bloom on mature trees, followed by woody capsules.
- Rewarding and easy to grow in any soil in full sun.
A statuesque deciduous tree, its bold canopy surges skyward with a rare, exotic flair that transforms gardens from spring to autumn. Additionally, its elegant canopy is borne on a striking network of branches with an arresting ascending poise. Their tracery adds to this species presence, making it a refined centrepiece for Suffolk and Norfolk gardens.
Prized for its vigorous growth, Toona Cedar, or the Red Cedar emerges from youth with a slender frame before unfurling into a broad silhouette—reaching 8-12m tall and 5-8m wide in 20-30 years. Alternatively, it can be pruned hard in spring, ensuring its oversized leaves grow to 60cm long, flash pinkish-red in spring. During summer the leaves deepen to rich green before turning brilliant gold in the autumn.
Care Tips for Cedrela toona, the Toona Cedar
- Soil & Sun: Grows well in any soil; full sun for vivid leaf colour, tolerates light shade
- Planting: Space widely to honour its graceful, spreading form. Shelter from strong winds is beneficial.
- Watering: Consistent moisture while establishing, then robustly independent
- Pruning: Minimal—trim in late winter to shape or control vigorous growth, alternatively prune hard for huge luxuriant foliage.
Lithe yet commanding, Cedrela toona blends rarity with timeless poise—a standout for gardeners seeking elegance in Norfolk and Suffolk’s sunny yet sheltered landscapes. It is adaptable to growing in many styles. Pruned hard, its large leaves suit the sunnier parts of jungle gardens, whereas in woodland gardens it provides the perfect dappled shade.
Planting Suggestions for the Red Cedar, Cedrela toona
Grown at the fringes of shady woods it is the perfect microclimate provider for species such as Hosta ‘Blue Angel’, Hosta (Tardiana Group) ‘June’ or Hydrangea quercifolia.
Its feather shaped leaves have an instantly tropical look especially when emerging. This stunningly lush display fits perfectly with a backdrop of Trachycarpus fortunei, Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis or Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’
