Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. Prefers a deep rich moist acid soil. Succeeds in an acid or neutral humus-rich soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates an alkaline soil if it is deep and rich in humus. Plants dislike dry winds. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required. Grows well in a sunny position in a woodland garden. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Plants prefer moist summers. Dormant plants are hardy to about -10°c, but the flower buds are often killed back by late frosts. Another report says that the buds are hardy when tightly closed, but are liable to frost damage once they start to open. A very ornamental plant. Trees take at least 20 years from seed before they flower. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring.

None known

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring.

Temperate rain forests between 2400 - 3000 metres in the Himalayas.