Caragana arborescens is a plant that is native to China and Mongolia. It is a member of the pea family and is commonly known as the Siberian pea tree or the caragana. The plant is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet. The leaves are compound with each leaflet having a obovate to elliptical shape. The flowers are yellow and are borne in racemes. The fruit is a legume that is 3-6 cm long and contains 1-3 seeds.
Related plant:
Weeping Caragana
Related plant:
Caragana
About soil condition, Caragana arborescens grows well in dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soils, but it is quite tolerant of poorer soils, including those that are sandy, clayey, or rocky. It prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
So, like the other plants, the caragana arborescens needs sunlight to grow. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate long, cold winters and hot summers. It grows best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant produces yellow flowers in the spring and green leaves in the summer.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for Caragana arborescens growth is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Caragana arborescens can also tolerate temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Caragana arborescens grows best in temperatures that are within the 68 to 86 degree Fahrenheit range.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. They are drought tolerant and can survive in an environment that has low humidity for long periods of time. However, prolonged exposure to low humidity will result in the leaves losing their color and eventually falling off.
Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant is not very demanding and can tolerate a wide range of soils. It is, however, important to have good drainage to avoid waterlogging and to keep the roots cool in summer. A general-purpose fertilizer applied in early spring is all that is required. Too much nitrogen will produce lots of leaves at the expense of flowers.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your caragana arborescens looking its best. This shrub can be pruned to maintain its natural shape, or to create a more manicured look. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to keep your plant healthy and looking its best.
Propagation of Caragana arborescens is typically done through seed. The plant has a high seed Germination rate, and seeds can be direct sown in the fall or spring. Seedlings should be thinned to about 2.5 feet (0.8 m) apart. Caragana arborescens can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in the summer.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the conditions of the climate and soil in which they are grown. However, with the right environment, these plants can grow quite rapidly. Caragana arborescens are able to grow in a wide range of habitats, but prefer areas with loamy soils and full sun. Plants grown in these ideal conditions can reach their full height potential of 12-15 feet in just a few years.
Common problems for this kind of plant are infestations of aphids and scale, as well as damage from caterpillars. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Bacterial and fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and stem canker, can also affect caragana arborescens. These diseases can be controlled with chemical fungicides, but it is best to avoid them by planting caragana in well-drained soil and providing adequate air circulation around the plant.
Source:
Siberian peashrub : Caragana arborescens - Fabaceae (Pea)
Caragana arborescens (Fabaceae) - HEAR species info
Caragana arborescens habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois
