Care of the tree Koelreuteria paniculata or Golden Rain tree |
The genus Koelreuteria belongs to the Sapindaceae family and comprises 3 species of trees native to Asia. The species are: Koelreuteria paniculata, Koelreuteria bipinnata, Koelreuteria elegans. Common names: China tree, Pride of India, Varnish tree, Golden Rain tree. This species is native to China and Korea. They are deciduous trees of rounded bearing and slow growth that reach 15 meters (49.2 feet) in height. The pinnate leaves are 40 cm (1.31 feet) long and have oval leaflets with serrated edges. The yellow flowers appear in hanging panicles. They bloom in late summer. The fruits are very decorative and are shaped like green lanterns that turn reddish and then dark. Golden Rain tree is used as shade trees in gardens, on streets and in public parks. It's not recommended for coastal gardens. Koelreuteria paniculata needs full sun exposure. It's quite resistant to cold, heat and drought. China tree prefers a light soil, well drained and containing organic matter but it also grows poor and dry soils. Water regularly (never water) waiting until the substrate has dried. Pride of India resists drought well. Fertilize in autumn with organic matter. Golden Rain tree does not need pruning. Koelreuteria paniculata is a resistant plant to the habitual plagues and diseases but sensitive to the excess of irrigation. China tree is propagated in spring by cuttings and from seeds. |
Images of the tree Koelreuteria paniculata or Golden Rain tree |