Chinaberry
Also known as
Persian lilac, Bead tree, White cedar, Pride-of-India, Cape lilac
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Chinaberry
Melia azedarach, commonly called chinaberry, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree in the mahogany family (Meliaceae), typically 7–15 m tall, occasionally to 20 m. It bears large, bipinnate, serrated leaves and profuse clusters of fragrant, lilac to pale purple starry flowers in spring. These mature to marble-sized yellow drupes that persist into winter and are eaten by birds, aiding spread. The rounded canopy, tolerance of heat, drought, urban pollution, and varied soils made it a popular shade and street tree, though it is invasive in many warm-temperate and subtropical regions. Wood is moderately durable and used locally for furniture. All parts, especially fruits, contain meliatoxins and are poisonous to people and pets if ingested. Best performance occurs in full sun with well-drained soil; young plants benefit from regular water, while established trees are notably drought tolerant. Pruning controls shape and reduces fruit litter.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Chinaberry
Water
Water newly planted trees weekly during the first growing season, delivering a deep soak to moisten the root zone (15–25 liters, soil-dependent). Thereafter, chinaberry becomes drought tolerant: in dry summers, water deeply every 2–3 weeks rather than frequent shallow sips. Always allow the topsoil to dry between waterings and ensure free drainage—standing water promotes root problems. For container specimens, water when the top 2–3 cm are dry, and never leave water in the saucer.
Light
Provide full sun for the strongest framework, heaviest bloom, and densest canopy (6+ hours direct light). Chinaberry tolerates light or partial shade but may grow more open and flower less. Plant in an unshaded, airy position to reduce disease pressure and encourage sturdy branching. Avoid deep shade under larger trees, where competition and low light produce lanky, weak growth and sparse flowering.
Nutrients
Chinaberry is not a heavy feeder. In-ground trees typically need little beyond soil preparation with compost and a light annual top-dress in early spring. For container-grown or nursery stock, use a balanced slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 10‑10‑10) at label half‑rate at spring bud-break. Avoid high-nitrogen surges that promote weak, frost‑sensitive growth, and stop fertilizing 6–8 weeks before first frost. Maintain a mulch ring to conserve moisture and support soil biology.
Temperature
Best growth occurs between 18–32°C. Established trees tolerate summer heat into the high 30s°C if soil is not waterlogged. Light frosts are withstood; brief dips to about −5°C may cause leaf or twig damage, and repeated freezes below −7°C can kill young trees. Suitable for USDA Zones 8–11 (7b in sheltered microclimates). Protect newly planted trees from frost with wraps or temporary covers their first 1–2 winters.
