Xanthoceras sorbifolium
Yellowhorn
- Height × spread
- 6m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
It generally reaches heights of around 6m (20ft) in cultivation. It has rather an erect habit, though the branches are spreading. The foliage is attractive, with pinnate leaves and toothy leaflets, similar to the foliage of a rowan. The leaves have a pleasant sheen and remain on the tree till late in the year. The flowers are the chief glory of the tree. They are held in short racemes up to 25cm (10in) length and appear in May. The individual flowers are white with a red eye and are produced on the previous year's wood. The fruit is held in little green capsules which split open and display rich brown coloured seeds.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 6m
- Spread
- 5m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
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.