Koelreuteria
Golden rain tree
- Height × spread
- 5m – 12m × 3m – 6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around four or five species of these beautiful trees. One of them, Koelreuteria bipinnata, stands around 5 metres in height, the others far taller. They are valued for their elegant pinnate foliage and their panicles of yellow flowers, borne in late summer and followed by inflated red fruits. There are a number of ornamental cultivars, including a fastigiate form where the branches are erect and parallel to the main stem, the plant narrowing at the top.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Pink
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 5m – 12m
- Spread
- 3m – 6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
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 during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Winter
Winter · Planting
Prune to maintain the plant
The plant is best left largely unpruned. When dormant remove any branches that are dead or diseased. In addition, remove any branches that are awkwardly angled or which grow back through the centre of the plant spoiling its open shape.
Planting & general
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.