A tough, rounded shade tree carrying large airy sprays of yellow summer flowers followed by ornamental papery lantern-like seed capsules, with bright yellow autumn foliage.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 9 m H × 8 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Golden Rain Tree
Botanically, Koelreuteria paniculata is a moderate-growing tree in the Sapindaceae family. It reaches around 9 m tall and 8 m wide at maturity, with deciduous, rich in autumn colour and golden foliage. Yellow flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Golden Rain Tree
Golden Rain Tree suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Golden Rain Tree does best in loamy, free-draining and poor soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Golden Rain Tree is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Golden Rain Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Golden Rain Tree in the garden
Golden Rain Tree earns its place for a shade tree, a feature or specimen planting and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Golden Rain Tree with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Golden Rain Tree
Plant Sale lists Golden Rain Tree as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.