About
A spreading, deciduous tree to 8m tall, with large, 2-pinnate leaves composed of opposite pairs of finely toothed, oval leaflets. Red-spotted yellow flowers are borne in pyramidal clusters to 30cm long in late summer; these are followed by unusual, inflated, pink-or red-flushed fruit capsules. A fine specimen tree, flowering best where summers are hot.
About the genus
Koelreuteria are slender deciduous trees with attractive, pinnately-divided leaves and panicles of yellow flowers followed by bladdery fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toS.W. China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningSee pruning group 1; prune only to remove damaged or dead wood when dormant in winter
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take root cuttings or graft in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus