Koelreuteria Paniculata

Also known as Pride of India or Golden Rain tree, Koelreuteria paniculata is a spectacular deciduous tree or tall shrub from Eastern Asia that is packed with interest throughout the year: spring foliage colour, autumn foliage colour, summer flowers and ornamental seed pods.

Koelreuteria paniculata is a slow-growing tree, steadily forming a dome-shaped crown with silvery grey branches and textured bark. It bears large, elegant, pinnate leaves up to 40cm long, composed of leaflets with serrated edges. In spring, the leaves emerge an attractive bronze/pink whilst in autumn they deliver a dazzling display of fiery oranges and yellows. July and August see a show of bright yellow flowers held in long panicles, 20-40cm in length. The flowers are followed by ornamental bladder-like pods that resemble papery lanterns. The pods emerge green and mature to orange and pink.

This award-winning tree can be grown as a single-stemmed solitary specimen or a multi-stemmed tree/shrub. Shallow-rooted, it can even be grown in a large container to make a striking feature in a patio or courtyard garden. Drought tolerant once established, it requires a sunny, sheltered position in freely draining soil and is tolerant of urban pollution and shallow, chalky soils. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Maximum height and spread: 10m (33ft).