About

Colutea arborescens is a robust shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It features feathery, pale green leaves and produces yellow flowers that measure about 2 centimeters in diameter. After flowering, it develops distinctive, bladder-shaped fruits that can reach lengths of up to 8 centimeters.

About the genus

Colutea consists of deciduous shrubs characterized by pinnate foliage. In summer, they produce short axillary racemes bearing pea-shaped flowers, which can be yellow or a deep orange hue. After flowering, these plants develop translucent, inflated pods.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden
Native to
S Europe

Care notes

Cultivation
Will grow in poor dry soil in exposed conditions, but likes full sun
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free