Maintenance Landscaping Design

Golden rain tree is a beautiful, fast-growing tree that provides shade and interest in the landscape. It is relatively drought-tolerant and tolerant of most soil types, but does best in moist, well-drained soil.

Popular name

• Koelreuteria paniculata
  
• Chinese goldenrain-tree
  
• Variegated goldenrain tree
  
• Pride of India
  
• Variegated Brassaia

Basic info

• The scientific name of the golden rain tree is Koelreuteria paniculata.
  
• It is a deciduous tree native to eastern Asia.
  
• The tree grows to a height of about 15-25 m.
  
• The trunk of the tree is straight and the bark is smooth and light grey in color.
  
• The leaves of the tree are pinnate with 20-30 leaflets.
  
• The flowers of the tree are yellow in color and are borne in large, showy panicles.
  
• The fruits of the tree are woody capsules that contain 3-5 seeds.
  
• The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens.
  
• It is also used for making furniture and in the construction industry.
  
• The golden rain tree is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world.

Related plant:
Golden Duranta

Planting Process

1. For golden rain tree, first step is to obtain a tree. You can purchase one from a nursery or obtain one from a friend or neighbor.
   
2. Once you have your tree, pick a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
   
4. Place the tree in the hole and backfill it with soil, tamping it down around the tree as you go.
   
5. Water the tree deeply, saturating the root ball.
   
6. Apply a layer of mulch around the tree, but keep it several inches away from the trunk.
   
7. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
   
8. Fertilize the tree once per year, using a fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.
   
9. Prune the tree as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
   
10. Enjoy your golden rain tree for many years to come!

Related plant:
Golden Delicious Apples

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, for a Golden Rain Tree the best type is one that is moist and well-drained. They are not drought tolerant, so make sure to keep an eye on the soil and water when needed. They also don't like soggy conditions, so make sure the drainage is good. If you have clay soil, it's best to mix in some organic matter to help with drainage.

Light condition

Like the other trees, the golden rain tree needs sunlight to grow. However, this tree can also tolerate partial shade. If you're thinking of planting a golden rain tree, make sure it will have enough sunlight.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for a golden rain tree is warm. They like it to be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They will also tolerate some colder temperatures, but they may not bloom as well. If it gets too cold, the leaves may fall off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is above 40 percent and it will suffer if the humidity drops much below that. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to turn brown and curl. The golden rain tree does best in full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It is a fast grower and can reach up to 40 feet in height.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant gets what it needs from the soil, if the plant is not receiving the right amount of certain minerals from the soil then fertilizer can be used as a supplement. The golden rain tree is a good example of a plant that may need extra help from fertilizer. This tree is known to have a very shallow root system. Because of this, the tree may not be able to uptake the right amount of minerals from the soil, making fertilizer necessary.

About light

Pruning golden rain tree is important to maintain its health and shape. You should remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any overgrown branches. You can prune your golden rain tree in early spring or late winter before new growth begins.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done by seed, although cuttings are sometimes used. Seeds should be collected from the cones that form at the ends of the branches. The cones should be brown and papery, and the seeds will be found inside. Once collected, the seeds can be sown in pots or trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the mix moist but not wet, and Seeds should germinate in 30-60 days. Cuttings can be taken from young, healthy branches in late spring or early summer. Use a sharp knife or pruners to take a 6-8 inch cutting, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant in a pot or tray filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the mix moist but not wet, and roots should form in 4-8 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 13 and 24 inches per year. However, trees have been known to grow up to 36 inches in a year. The average life expectancy of a golden rain tree is between 20 and 30 years.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are waterlogged soil, aphids, and scale insects. Waterlogged soil can cause the roots to rot, and aphids and scale insects can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease.

Growing Tips

• If you are growing a golden rain tree plant, make sure to give it plenty of room to grow.
  
• Golden rain tree plants need full sun to partial shade.
  
• Plant your golden rain tree in an area of your garden that has well-drained soil.
  
• Water your golden rain tree regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize your golden rain tree every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your golden rain tree plant regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  
• The golden rain tree is susceptible to a few different pests and diseases. Watch for signs of problems and treat accordingly.
  
• Harvest the golden rain tree's colorful flowers for arrangements or dried bouquets.
  
• The golden rain tree's seeds can be harvested and used for propagation.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful, unique foliage of your golden rain tree

Substitution

• Golden chinkapin
  
• Goldenraintree
  
• Goldenraintreeseeds
  
• Goldenseal
  
• Goldensealroot
  
• Goldthread
  
• Goldenrod
  
• Goldenaster
  
• Goldcrest
  
• Golden-crowned kinglet
  

Source:
ENH-772/ST614: Tabebuia chrysotricha: Golden Trumpet Tree
Golden Trumpet Tree - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida
Golden Trumpet Tree - Tree selection - Landscape plants