Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) Millingtonia hortensis
Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) (Millingtonia hortensis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Myanmar and Thailand to Yunnan and Indochina. It grows 15–25 m (49–82 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
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Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Myanmar and Thailand to Yunnan and Indochina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not reported as poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep)
- How far apart should I plant Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep)?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
- Does Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) flower?
- From about October for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as poisonous.
- What grows well with Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Indian cork tree (tree jasmine, peep). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Thai Plant Names (Tem Smitinand), revised edition, Forest Herbarium, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok
- eFlora of India, eFlora of India / Botanical Survey of India contributors
Notes and assumptions
- Tall and narrow, with corky bark; long-tubed white flowers open at night and fall in the morning, carpeting the ground with scent in the cool season. Brittle wood and shallow roots: it blows over and drops branches, so keep it away from houses. Many Thai universities and schools use it as their symbol.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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