When the laburnum blooms, it’s a beautiful sight. The dripping, golden yellow flowers in early summer are just gorgeous. Laburnum is also known as bean tree, bean clover, gold rush or laburnum tree because of its drooping, pea-like flowers. The foliage is also attractive, fine and divided into oval leaflets. Laburnum can be planted as small, free-standing trees and can also be grown over a pergola, arch or walkway. This way you can show off the hanging clusters of flowers even better. Traditionally, laburnum is planted in larger gardens, but there are newer varieties that are suitable for smaller gardens and containers. Incidentally, laburnum trees are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in the fall, with fresh leaves appearing the following spring. They grow fast, about 40 cm per year.
Caution! All parts of the tree, especially the seeds, are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Above all, keep children and pets away. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
Laburnum flowers really do look like those of beans
How to properly care for laburnum?
Laburnums are relatively easy to care for, provided they are given a sunny spot and moist, well-drained soil. They are trees that only need pruning back when they are out of shape. In principle, these need neither irrigation nor fertilization.
Where should you plant the tree?
In its natural habitat in southern and central Europe, laburnum grows on scrubland and hills. Therefore, it needs a well-drained soil and full sun in the garden. The tree will also grow in partial shade but will not produce as many flowers. Soaked soil can damage the plant and sometimes even destroy it.
The gold rush is also very popular in parks in this country
A fairly popular tree with professional garden designers too
How to plant Laburnum?
Like most trees, plant Gold Rush in the fall or winter. Dig a large hole that is wider than the root ball and about the same depth. Put plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost in the planting hole. Fill with garden soil, press down well and water. You can then mulch with more manure or garden compost.
The tree feels better in alkaline soil, so it likes ash more than fertilizer, but dislikes coffee grounds
This is how laburnum is cut correctly
Freestanding Gold Rush trees don’t need much pruning beyond the usual care for size, shape, and health. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches and trim them into an attractive shape. However, if you are growing your laburnum over an arch or pergola, consider trimming the stems and tying them in. If you bought a grafted tree, all shoots growing directly under the graft should be removed. Cut between late summer and Christmas. If you prune in spring or early summer, the tree is likely to shed sap and this can generally affect flowering that season.
Irrigate, fertilize and propagate
As mentioned above, there is no need to water a laburnum once it is established. The same applies to fertilization. The tree can be propagated by hardwood cuttings in late fall and winter. You can also sow the seed in autumn.
Fresh shoots from the spring gold rush
Common Gold Rush issues
Laburnums are relatively trouble-free, but can be susceptible to honey fungus. These are tiny mushrooms that grow like bushes and are also called honey mushrooms. These grow on the trunk of the tree and can make it in danger of breaking over time. Laburnum trees can also suffer from blackfly and powdery mildew.
The caterpillars of the leaf mine moth can also cause unsightly circular spots on the leaves. It rarely affects the health of the tree and does not require treatment. In such cases, you may find that natural predators such as blue tits keep it under control. Laburnum sometimes produces very heavy buds one year and less lavish blooms the next. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
The scent of the flowers is almost beguiling, and not just for bees
All in all, laburnum is a very rewarding, easy-care and fragrant tree. You can also plant this in your garden and enjoy its magnificent, golden yellow flower spikes. You are in good hands with today’s care tips. Get even more useful information and don’t miss out on this magnificent tree species!
The gold rush fits especially in romantic corners in the garden or in parks
The tree combines excellently with most flowering perennials
Sources:
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