Koelreuteria paniculata
Panicled golden rain tree, Pride of India
- Height × spread
- 12m × 6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- 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 good looking plant has many charms, It is a spreading tree that will grow to around 13m (42ft) height. The leaves are very pretty; pinnate with lobed leaflets that are coppery when they first appear. The initial treat this tree offers is the sight of the unfurling leaflets, patterned against the sky. Not only is this tree attractive in leaf, in a good, hot summer there are also panicles of creamy-yellow flowers. In autumn, for a short spell, swollen, bladder-like fruits, waved proudly aloft, coloured a bright salmon pink. Yellow autumn colour completes the show for the year. In the early Chinese dynasties, three thousand years ago, this was deemed to be one of five official trees to be planted by tombs as a memorial and was considered especially appropriate for the graves of scholars.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Red-copper
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown, Green
- Fruit colour
- Pink
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 12m
- Spread
- 6m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- 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
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- 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
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.