Koelreuteria paniculata Varnish tree, Golden rain tree

Sapindaceae

Koelreuteria paniculata Varnish tree, Golden rain tree

Multi-trunked tall shrub to medium-sized tree. The somewhat irregular crown becomes steadily broader until it is practically round. The large, pinnate (sometimes doubly pinnate) leaves consist of 7 - 15 leaf segments. These are approx. 7 - 10 cm long and the lobes have a serrated edge. The leaves are a bronze colour in the spring and turn yellow to orange in the autumn. The numerous small, yellow flowers are in terminal plumes approx. 30 cm long. The plumes are open and have a loose structure. After flowering, the bladder-like fruit appear, measuring approx. 4 cm. They change colour from green to bronze and contain a few black seeds. The fruit remains on the tree for a long time. This tree prefers a sheltered site since young specimens can suffer frost damage, but recover well. Koelreuteria paniculata flowers more abundantly the warmer the summer. After flowering it produces triangular bladder-like fruits that contain the seeds.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2024.
Availability
Specifications
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Height
5 - 17 m
Crown
broad, almost round, somewhat irregular, light, open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
grey-brown, slightly grooved
Leaf
(doubly) pinnate, dull green, 30 - 35 cm, feathered leaf
Autumn colour
yellow, orange
Flowers
yellow, in large terminal plumes, July/August
Fruits
bladder-shaped, bronze in colour, Ø approx. 4.5 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
makes very few demands on the soil, stands up to dry conditions
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
6b (-20,5 to -17,8 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), valuable for butterflies
Application
tree containers, roof gardens
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Northern China, Korea
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving light-loving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for dry soil 1st size , taller than 12 metres open crown green yellow July average growing Conspicuous bloom Feathered leaf Attractive autumn colour valuable for bees (honey plant) valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit playground tree
Applications and inspiration
Frequently asked questions
Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata can eventually reach a height of 5 - 17 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Koelreuteria paniculata is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 5 - 17 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Koelreuteria paniculata turn yellow, orange in autumn.

The right time to plant Koelreuteria paniculata is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Koelreuteria paniculata with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Koelreuteria paniculata blooms in july.
General