Golden Rain Tree
koelreuteria paniculata
Also known as: ["Pride of India","Easter Tree","Varnish Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree known for its showy, yellow flower clusters and papery seed pods that resemble Japanese lanterns.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Koelreuteria |
| Botanical Name: | Koelreuteria paniculata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various landscapes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with good fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the tree.
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 new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun promotes flowering; partial shade reduces stress in hot regions; rotate container plants for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil
pH: Adaptable pH range (6.0–7.5); prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soils with organic matter; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 100°F; prefers moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid planting in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water thoroughly after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; cuttings root more reliably but take longer to establish.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds after collecting from mature pods.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Hormone
Recommended for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seedlings can take 1–2 years to reach transplantable size.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control height or shape; remove suckers at the base.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container plants.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor trees; container-grown plants should be repotted every 2–3 years to refresh soil and roots.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth; reduce 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; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; delayed bud development in fluctuating temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; young or newly planted trees are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect young trees with burlap screens in exposed areas; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaf edges may brown or curl; flowers may wilt or drop prematurely; overall growth may slow.
Solution: Provide supplemental water during heatwaves; use shade cloth in extreme heat; ensure adequate soil moisture retention with organic mulch.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water after application; avoid late-season fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicKoelreuteria paniculata is not considered toxic to cats. The seeds and flowers do not pose a significant risk of poisoning when ingested by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicKoelreuteria paniculata is not considered toxic to dogs. The seeds and flowers do not pose a significant risk of poisoning when ingested by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicKoelreuteria paniculata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The seeds and flowers are not known to cause significant toxicity when ingested in small quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Golden Rain Tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and seeds.
Q: Is the Golden Rain Tree toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often does the Golden Rain Tree flower?
A: It typically flowers in mid-summer, producing long-lasting yellow blooms.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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