Gymnocladus dioica
Kentucky coffee tree, Chicot
- Height × spread
- 18m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a pretty tree when it comes into leaf. The spring foliage is salmon-pink turning to a good fresh-green for the summer with some underleaf colour, then yellow in autumn. It sometimes produces small white flowers in summer, though it doesn't do this with great freedom in Britain and Ireland. The leaves are actually pinnate, spread out along the stalks, but this is not very obvious. When the leaflets fall off in autumn their stalks remain for a while as a fine spiky reminder of what has been. The tree reaches a height of 6m (20ft) at about 20 years old and has a rather sad, angular appearance during winter.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Pink
- Spring foliage
- Pink-salmon
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 18m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 6m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
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 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.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
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.