Siberian Pea Tree
caragana arborescens
Also known as: ["Siberian Peashrub","Pea Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to Siberia and other parts of Asia, valued for its hardiness and pea-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Caragana |
| Botanical Name: | Caragana arborescens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types and conditions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–40–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"2–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter. Tolerates poor, rocky, or alkaline soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead or damaged wood as needed throughout the year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning on mature plants unless necessary for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to full sun to prevent leaf scorch. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Outdoor placement is ideal; indoor growth requires a very bright location.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is best; rotate plants for even growth; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on soil moisture and climate
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Adaptable pH range (6.0–8.0), tolerating slightly alkaline conditions.
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter if needed; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 2–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates cold winters but benefits from protection in extreme heat.
Mulch to insulate roots; water deeply in heat; protect from harsh winds.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water well after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with indirect light. Bottom heat can aid rooting.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or a specialized rooting medium.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder or gel for higher success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, rooting medium, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective removal of branches; thin out crowded areas; cut back to a healthy bud or branch.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Light pruning after flowering is often sufficient for mature plants.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Generally not required for established outdoor plants. Container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly and deeply to ensure penetration to the root ball, allowing excess to drain away. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during the growing season (spring to early fall), reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed growth in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop, and growth may slow or stop. Young or newly planted specimens are more vulnerable to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in late fall; protect young plants with burlap screens in harsh winters; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat waves, even with adequate water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade if possible; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water after fertilizing; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flowering. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCaragana arborescens is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCaragana arborescens is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCaragana arborescens, commonly known as Siberian pea tree, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used in traditional medicine and as a food source in some regions.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Caragana arborescens toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How cold hardy is the Siberian Pea Tree?
A: It is highly cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures well below freezing.
Q: Does Caragana arborescens attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and seeds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
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