Laburnum anagyroides 'SUNSPIRE' golden rain

Sunspire is a recent introduction of laburnum (golden rain) from the alschingeri group. These plants don’t come from France and Balkan like their parent species, but naturalized in Tirol, north Italy and Croatia as a separate subdivision. Possibly, most of the laburnums in Czech and Slovak countryside come from this subdivision, too, though they are not native. Good thing is they are not invasive here.

Sunspire laburnum is a dwarf variety of fastigiated habit. It grows slowly and makes a crowded, densely branched vase shape. Pea-like flowers are vivid yellow, borne in short, upright racemes, and become pendent and longer only about a week or two after they open. Clover-like leaves are deciduous, bright to mid green, 3-palmate. Pruning is not needed in case of this slow growing variety, but if you wish to maintain a size or shape you can prune unwanted branches and twigs in the middle of winter or early in the spring.

Laburnum will grow in almost any soil but looks best in humus-rich, evenly moist soil. It tolerates short spells of drought but not excess moisture. A sunny location is needed. All parts are highly toxic if ingested. Fully hardy to abt. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 17-02-2015