Hardy Rubber Tree
Eucommia ulmoides
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
600 inches
Width
600 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived tree
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Eucommia ulmoides is a medium-sized deciduous tree, the sole living species in its family, native to central China. It is prized for its handsome, glossy green, elm-like leaves and its remarkable pest and disease resistance. The tree produces a latex-like sap that becomes rubbery upon exposure to air; breaking a leaf will reveal silvery, elastic strands of this substance. It is exceptionally tough and adaptable, making it an excellent street or shade tree.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
- Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
- Place the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill with the original soil, removing any air pockets.
- Water deeply and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch.
- Water regularly during the first two growing seasons.
Pro Tip
Provide supplemental water during the first few years after planting to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in full sun for best growth.
- Water deeply during dry spells, especially when young.
- Prune to develop good structure when the tree is young.
Don't
- Don't plant in a small space, as it becomes a large tree.
- Avoid planting in poorly drained, wet soils.
- Don't damage the bark with mowers or trimmers.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hardy Rubber Tree questions
What zones can Hardy Rubber Tree grow in?
Hardy Rubber Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hardy Rubber Tree deer resistant?
Yes — Hardy Rubber Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hardy Rubber Tree bloom?
Hardy Rubber Tree typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hardy Rubber Tree need full sun?
Hardy Rubber Tree does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Hardy Rubber Tree drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hardy Rubber Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
