Koelreuteria

The genus Koelreuteria consists of deciduous trees growing up to 15 m in height. The genus is named after Josef G. Kelreiter, an 18th-century naturalist who mainly studied plant hybridization. Undoubtedly, the most common of these species is the soap tree, or Koelreuteria paniculata, which reaches 6-8 m in height with a crown diameter of 2.5-3 m. The trunk is straight, the branches are directed upwards. Uneven and sparse at first, the crown compacts over time. Rough bark is characterized by a brownish color. Very long (35 cm), non-pinnate, alternate leaves consist of 7-15 ovate leaflets with a sawn edge, smooth on the upper side, with pubescent veins on the reverse. In autumn, they acquire a beautiful bright orange and yellow color. In July-August yellow flowers with a slightly asymmetrical corolla bloom, collected in lush apical panicles up to 20-30 cm long. The fruits are three-leafed seed pods, papery to the touch, and contain green seeds that turn black when ripe. Soap tree bark contains saponins-natural glycosides of many medicinal plants. In the case of Paniculata apiculata (K. paniculata apiculata) or apiculata (K. apiculata), flowering is usually more abundant than in the botanical species. The leaves are dioecious, with a large number of leaflets. The 'Pointed' variety has a columnar crown shape, so it is used in planting along streets. The two-feathered leaves of the double-feathered Koelreuteria (K. bipinnata) are larger and longer than those of the paniculate Koelreuteria, and consist of 7-12 leaflets. Yellow flowers are collected in large panicles. Seed pods are pinkish-brown. If the winters are cold, the flowering is insignificant.

The genus Koelreuteria consists of deciduous trees growing up to 15 m in height. The genus is named after Josef G. Kelreiter, an 18th-century naturalist who mainly studied plant hybridization.

Undoubtedly, the most common of these species is the soap tree, or Koelreuteria paniculata, which reaches 6-8 m in height with a crown diameter of 2.5-3 m. The trunk is straight, the branches are directed upwards. Uneven and sparse at first, the crown compacts over time. Rough bark is characterized by a brownish color. Very long (35 cm), non-pinnate, alternate leaves consist of 7-15 ovate leaflets with a sawn edge, smooth on the upper side, with pubescent veins on the reverse. In autumn, they acquire a beautiful bright orange and yellow color. In July-August yellow flowers with a slightly asymmetrical corolla bloom, collected in lush apical panicles up to 20-30 cm long. The fruits are three-leafed seed pods, papery to the touch, and contain green seeds that turn black when ripe. Soap tree bark contains saponins-natural glycosides of many medicinal plants.

In the case of Paniculata apiculata (K. paniculata apiculata) or apiculata (K. apiculata), flowering is usually more abundant than in the botanical species. The leaves are dioecious, with a large number of leaflets. The 'Pointed' variety has a columnar crown shape, so it is used in planting along streets.

The two-feathered leaves of the double-feathered Koelreuteria (K. bipinnata) are larger and longer than those of the paniculate Koelreuteria, and consist of 7-12 leaflets. Yellow flowers are collected in large panicles. Seed pods are pinkish-brown. If the winters are cold, the flowering is insignificant.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Koelreuteria are grown in parks and gardens, more often in single plantings. Plant in the ground in October or March (preferably in autumn), if the winters are cold, in other climatic zones - in spring. They are suitable for a wide variety of soils, preferably fertile. The main thing is good drainage and plentiful application of organic fertilizers during planting. At the beginning of winter, it is recommended to mulch the soil with suitable organic materials. Plants do not need special pruning at all, only dry, damaged and unsuccessfully growing branches are removed. Mature trees are unusually resistant to drought.

Location

Plants of the genus Koelreuteria prefer a place in the open sun.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to fluctuations in air temperature, but are afraid of strong prolonged frosts, especially late ones.

Watering

It is necessary only for young plants immediately after planting in the ground.

Reproduction

The most common method is to sow seeds in October or March in a seedbed. Seedlings are kept in a closed, unheated room. Grown seedlings are planted singly in pots filled with a mixture of fertile land and peat, seasoned with complex fertilizer (30 g per bucket of soil). For 2-3 years, the plants are occasionally transplanted into larger pots, after which they are planted in a permanent place in the ground. Less often, lignified or root cuttings are used.

Diseases

Koelreuteria can be affected by cinnabar-red nectria (Nectria cinnabarina), the causative agent of branch cancer. The disease manifests itself in the form of dark spots and dents, which leads to the death of the affected organs. It is necessary to remove diseased branches and treat them with copper-containing fungicides. Other fungi can cause spots and leaf wilt. Apply treatment with fungicides, and to restore strength, top dressing is performed.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Koelreuteria can be purchased in specialized nurseries and horticultural centers that offer the widest range of crops. Choose small plants that are easier to plant in the ground. In addition, they better tolerate the shock of a transplant.