Golden shower tree is a beautiful plant that is native to India. It has bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The leaves of the golden shower tree are a deep green color. The tree can grow to be 20 feet tall.
Also known as
- Indian Laburnum
- Golden chain tree
- Golden rain tree
- Golden chain tree
- Laburnum anagyroides
Things to Know
- The golden shower tree is a native of India.
- It is an evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 30 m.
- The tree has a rounded crown and its branches are spreading.
- The leaves are simple, opposite, and oblong-elliptic in shape. They are 10-20 cm long and 5-9 cm wide.
- The flowers are yellow, fragrant, and borne in clusters.
- The tree blooms from February to April.
- The fruits are dark brown, woody capsules that are 2-3 cm long.
- The tree is propagated by seeds.
- It is a widely planted ornamental tree in India.
- The golden shower tree is the national tree of Thailand.
Related plant:
Golden Duranta
How to Grow
- For golden shower tree, first step is to find a suitable location. The tree grows best in full sun and needs well-drained soil. If you are planting the tree in a pot, choose a pot that is at least 18 inches wide and has drainage holes.
- The next step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Once the hole is prepared, it is time to plant the tree. Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole. backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
- staking the tree is not necessary but may be done if desired.
- Fertilize the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Water the tree regularly, especially during the first growing season. The tree should be kept moist but not saturated.
- Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape.
- The tree will produce seed pods which can be harvested and used to propagate new trees.
- The tree can be grown as a houseplant but will need to be brought outdoors for the summer months.
- The tree can live for many years with proper care.
Related plant:
Golden Tree
Soil Condition
About soil condition, the golden shower tree grows best in well-drained, sandy loam soils with a high organic content. The tree is moderately tolerant of salt and can grow in brackish water. It does not tolerate drought or waterlogged soils.
Light requirement
Similar to other trees, the golden shower tree needs sunlight to grow. However, it is not a very picky tree and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. It does best in well-drained soil, but can also tolerate some clay. This tree is drought tolerant and does not need a lot of water to survive.
Ideal Temperature
The temperature condition is the most important aspect of the Golden Shower Tree. The tree requires a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius to survive. The tree is also sensitive to frost and can die if the temperature drops below freezing.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. It should be placed in a well-lit location, but not in direct sunlight. It cannot tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizing
For the fertilizer, this family of plant is not too demanding. A good all-purpose fertilizer will be fine. It's best to fertilize in the spring before new growth begins. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow so be careful not to over do it when watering. If the roots are waterlogged, it can be fatal to the tree.
Plant Pruning
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. Cut back the main stems by about one-third to one-half their length. This will encourage new growth and produce a more compact, bushy plant. Cut back side shoots to about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).
The Propagation
Propagation of the golden shower tree is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The rooting medium should be kept moist but not wet and the cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirect light. Cuttings typically root within 4-6 weeks.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted on young trees. The average growth rate for a young golden shower tree is between 10 and 25 centimeters per year for the first three years. After that, the growth rate slows down to about 5 centimeters per year. Golden shower trees can live for over 100 years.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are nutritional deficiencies and root rot. For nutritional deficiencies, you can apply a balanced fertilizer. If you suspect root rot, you can try to improve drainage around the plant.
Growing Tips
- Do not forget to irrigate regularly, as the plant cannot tolerate drought.
- Place the plant in an area with good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
- Fertilize the golden shower tree regularly to promote growth.
- Prune the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth.
- Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, as the plant is susceptible to both.
- Try to grow the plant in full sun for best results.
- The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
- The golden shower tree can reach a height of 15-20 meters, so make sure to plant it in an appropriate location.
- The plant produces beautiful yellow flowers that are followed by edible fruits.
- The golden shower tree is an excellent source of shade and can be used in landscape design.
Substitution
- Golden-shower Tree (Cassia fistula)
- Gloxinia (Gloxinia sylvatica)
- Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
- Golden-showered Tree (Cassia fistula)
- Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
- Gold thread (Coptis chinensis)
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Goldcrested Wren (Regulus regulus)
- Goldenchain Tree (Laburnum anagyroides)
- Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
Source:
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Golden Showers' - Oregon State
Heritage Trees on the UA Campus - University of Arizona
Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree, Golden-rain Tree, Golden ...
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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