About
Piptanthus villosus is a semi-evergreen shrub similar to the Himalayan laburnum, producing three-leaflet leaves on hairy stems and bright-yellow, pea-like flowers in spring. A rewarding wall shrub for a warm, sheltered, well-drained position.
About the genus
Piptanthus are fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrubs with bold, three-leaflet leaves and bright-yellow, pea-like flowers in spring. Grown as wall shrubs in warm, sheltered, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
Native toHimalaya
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 1 or Pruning group 13 if wall-trained
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn; take heeled, semi-ripe cuttings (basal) in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free