About

Decaisnea fargesii, the blue bean shrub, is a very substantial, deciduous shrub with bold, divided leaves up to 90 cm long that emerge blue-tinged in spring and turn clear yellow in autumn. Long sprays of insignificant, greenish flowers in early summer are followed in autumn by striking, metallic grey-blue, bean-like pods to 10 cm long � quite unlike anything else in cultivation. An extraordinary and rewarding large shrub for a sheltered, moist, partly shaded position.

About the genus

Decaisnea are deciduous shrubs with large, handsome, pinnate leaves and rather insignificant, greenish flowers in summer followed by striking, bean-like, blue or yellow fruits in autumn. Grown as bold, architectural foliage and fruiting shrubs in sheltered, moist gardens.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toW China

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade with shelter from strong winds
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationSow seed in containers in an open frame in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free