About

Koelreuteria paniculata, the pride of India or golden rain tree, is an elegant, small, deciduous tree to 10 m with pinnate, green leaves that emerge pink-tinted in spring and turn yellow in autumn. In mid- and late summer it produces conspicuous, large panicles of small, yellow flowers, followed by attractive, bladdery, bronze-pink fruits. A beautiful and ornamental small tree for a sunny, sheltered garden.

About the genus

Koelreuteria are small, deciduous trees from China, Japan and Korea with attractive, pinnately divided leaves and large panicles of yellow flowers in summer, followed by bladder-like, often colourful fruits. Ornamental specimen trees for sunny, sheltered gardens.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina, Korea

Care notes

CultivationGrow as a specimen tree in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or root cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus