About
A suckering deciduous shrub with bristly branches bearing pinnate leaves with oval leaflets, and short racemes of deep rose-pink flowers 3cm long in late spring and early summer.
About the genus
Robinia are vigorous suckering trees and shrubs, sometimes thorny, with pinnate leaves and racemes of pea-type flowers in early summer, sometimes followed by seed pods
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Can be wall-trained, tying in young growths when they are pliable. Shelter from strong winds, as the branches are brittle
PruningPruning group 1; prune in mid- to late-summer to prevent bleeding. Remove suckers in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Propagate by root cuttings, or propagate by grafting in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus