Ptelea trifoliata 'Aurea'
Yellow hop tree, Shrubby trefoil
- Height × spread
- 6m × 6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is at its best in spring when the young foliage is coloured a uniform fresh yellow. The leaves are in three parts (trifoliate), large, elegant and tapering to a point. The tree flowers during June when it produces small clusters of greenish white flowers that are fairly well tucked into the foliage. The flowers are followed by winged fruits that are rounded, the seed sitting at the centre. They are carried in clusters, each seed on a threadlike stalk. These start green and turn brown. The foliage greens up as the season progresses but retains an attractive aspect. The leaves have a pleasing citrus fragrance if they are bruised. This enjoys acidic soil that is moist but well drained.
- Flower colour
- Green, White
- Foliage colour
- Grey
- Spring foliage
- Yellow
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Green, Grey
- Fruit colour
- Brown, Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 6m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.