Chinese Rain Tree, Bougainvillea Golden Rain Tree
koelreuteria bipinnata
Also known as: ["Chinese Lantern Tree","Golden Rain Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree known for its bipinnate leaves and showy, golden-yellow flowers in summer, followed by bladder-like seed pods.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Koelreuteria |
| Botanical Name: | Koelreuteria bipinnata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area with room for growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for light penetration.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure good drainage, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but may suffer in prolonged freezing temperatures.
Monitor microclimates; protect from sudden temperature swings; adjust watering based on heat stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once a year in spring; water before and after applying; avoid fertilizing in late fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
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 when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment in new pot may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushier growth; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage flowering; best done after flowering or in late winter.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; remove dead/diseased wood first.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
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 drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone, ensuring water penetrates deeply to encourage deep root growth. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, slowed growth, and potential dieback of tender shoots; severe frost may damage bark and roots.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect with frost cloth during freezes; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of seeds by cats can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of tannins.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Koelreuteria bipinnata contain tannins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicKoelreuteria bipinnata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals due to their high tannin content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Koelreuteria bipinnata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and seeds.
Q: Is Koelreuteria bipinnata toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Koelreuteria bipinnata?
A: It requires moderate care, including regular watering and pruning.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
