Laburnum alpinum 'PENDULUM' golden rain, Scotch laburnum

Golden rain comes from mountainous parts of southern Europe. The natural habitat of this one is even closer to our border: central- and south-European Alps.

The flowers are slender racemes, composed of pea-like, bright yellow flowers with a deep red blotch in the centre. They are 15-40 cm long and appear from the first really warm days of spring, usually from mid May until early June. The leaves are 3-palmate, unlike l.anagyroidesthey are hairless, fresh green, and slivery green on the reverse. The bark is green.

Pendulum is a variety grafted on stems, and has pendent branches forming a rounded umbrella shape. A flowering plant is a show-stopper even for non-gardeners. Once the plant is established it flowers reliably and more abundantly every year.

Laburnum naturally lives in drier soil. But if you provide moist but well-drained soil without any danger of water logging it will have rich foliage and profusion of flowers. Moderately fertile soil is recommended, but no further fertilizing is required. If you need to prune it do so in early spring or late winter. All parts of the plant are poisonous, mainly the seeds. Fully hardy to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 20-12-2008.