Golden-Chain Tree
Laburnum X watereri hybrids FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE)
Planting and Growing Golden-Chain Trees
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow golden-chain trees in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, seed pods, and seeds of golden-chain trees
- Growing conditions for golden-chain tree
- When to plant golden-chain tree
- How to plant golden-chain tree
- How to prune golden-chain tree
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of golden-chain tree
- Landscape uses of golden-chain tree
- Pest and disease control for golden-chain tree
Growing Golden-Chain Trees
Several cultivars of fast-growing, short-lived, erect, round-crowned, deciduous trees, 15–25 ft. (4.5–7.5 m) tall, with shiny, cloverlike, bright green, 3-lobed, divided leaves, to 4 in. (10 cm) long.
Scots laburnum, Laburnum alpinum, and common laburnum, Laburnum anagyroides, are related species.
Golden-Chain Tree Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Seeds
Showy, sweet-pea-like, gold, yellow flowers, to 3/4 in. (19 mm) long, in nodding, wisteria- or lilaclike clusters, to 20 in. (50 cm) long, in late spring–early summer, form flattened, beanlike pods, to 3 in. (75 mm) long, containing seed, in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 5–9. Hardy. Best in dry-summer, mild-winter climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist to damp, well-drained soil. Fertility: Average. 6.5–8.0 pH. Salt tolerant.
Where and How to Plant
Full to filtered sun. Space 8–10 ft. (2.4–3 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep damp; allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought tolerant. Fertilize annually in spring. Prune after bloom; deadhead seedpods to maintain vigor. Propagate by budding, grafting, layering, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, containers, paths, screens in arid, meadow, seaside, turfgrass gardens. Drops flowers, leaves, seedpods, requiring maintenance. Pest and disease resistant.
Warning:
Seedpods and seed of Laburnum X watereri are hazardous if eaten. Avoid planting them in areas frequented by pets or children.