Laburnum

The genus Laburnum (Laburnum), consists of 6 species-trees and shrubs, which are especially valued for their lush flowering. However, mainly two of them and hybrids derived from them are grown. The most popular species of golden rain (Laburnum anagyroides, or L. vulgare) has trifoliate compound leaves consisting of long-stemmed leaflets with a pubescent underside, elliptical in shape. Collected in lush inflorescences-drooping long brushes, emitting a faint aroma of yellow flowers with typical legume moth corollas (with a "sail", two "oars" and a "boat"), they bloom at the end of May. Fruits-beans, first pubescent, then smooth. They contain Cytisinum, a very toxic alkaloid, which is why this plant is not recommended to be planted where children are, otherwise fruits with seeds should be immediately collected and discarded. These are trees with an erect trunk, smooth bark, in young specimen green, later-light chestnut. The branches are turned up; the second-order branches are pubescent, dark brown-green. The leaves of 'Golden' in late summer acquire a delicate yellow color. 'Autumnal', or 'Ever-blooming', often blooms again in autumn. Alpine beanstalk (L. alpinum) is very similar to golden rain. It is more frost-resistant than the previous type. The branches and leaves are smaller and more pointed, the fruits are not pubescent. Blooming later. 'Hanging' is characterized by a domed crown and drooping shoots. In the 'Pyramidal' one, the branches grow straight up. Waterer's legume (L x watereri) is a hybrid obtained from Alpine legume and golden rain. The garden form of 'Voss' is widely distributed with a long flowering of flowers collected in very long spectacular brushes.

The genus Laburnum (Laburnum), consists of 6 species-trees and shrubs, which are especially valued for their lush flowering. However, mainly two of them and hybrids derived from them are grown. The most popular species of golden rain (Laburnum anagyroides, or L. vulgare) has trifoliate compound leaves consisting of long-stemmed leaflets with a pubescent underside, elliptical in shape. Collected in lush inflorescences-drooping long brushes, emitting a faint aroma of yellow flowers with typical legume moth corollas (with a "sail", two "oars" and a "boat"), they bloom at the end of May. Fruits-beans, first pubescent, then smooth. They contain Cytisinum, a very toxic alkaloid, which is why this plant is not recommended to be planted where children are, otherwise fruits with seeds should be immediately collected and discarded. These are trees with an erect trunk, smooth bark, in young specimen green, later-light chestnut. The branches are turned up; the second-order branches are pubescent, dark brown-green. The leaves of 'Golden' in late summer acquire a delicate yellow color. 'Autumnal', or 'Ever-blooming', often blooms again in autumn.

Alpine beanstalk (L. alpinum) is very similar to golden rain. It is more frost-resistant than the previous type. The branches and leaves are smaller and more pointed, the fruits are not pubescent. Blooming later. 'Hanging' is characterized by a domed crown and drooping shoots. In the 'Pyramidal' one, the branches grow straight up.

Waterer's legume (L x watereri) is a hybrid obtained from Alpine legume and golden rain. The garden form of 'Voss' is widely distributed with a long flowering of flowers collected in very long spectacular brushes.

Cultivation

Laburnum is a garden and park crop used both in single plantings and in small groups. Often these plants are used to create canopies. They are finally planted in the ground in October (in cold climates) or March. There are no special requirements for the soil, although preference is given to calcareous and moist, and with good drainage, slightly acidic ones are also tolerated. Young trees need support until they develop a full root system. Pruning these plants is not necessary. If plants are used to create canopies, they should be exposed at an early stage. forming pruning.

Location

These species are good both in the open sun and in partial shade.

Temperature

Laburnum is an unpretentious and hardy ornamental crop.

Watering

The soil should always be kept slightly moist, but not over-moistened, avoiding stagnation of water. In other words, it is necessary to water when the soil is completely dry.

Care

After flowering, dry, damaged and unsuccessfully growing branches are removed.

Reproduction

Sow seeds in October in a suitable ground, in a closed, unheated room. After germination, the seedlings are planted one at a time in pots. Planting in a permanent place can be carried out as early as the next year. Hybrids lose their maternal properties when sown, so it is recommended to inoculate with a peephole on botanical species in the spring.

Diseases

Root rot caused by honey-weed (Armillaria mellea) can quickly lead to the death of the plant. Avoid planting in heavy soil and stagnating water. The affected plants can only be removed.

Acquisition

Beanstalk is quite easy to find in horticultural centers and specialized nurseries. The purchase is made in the fall or spring, when the plants can immediately be planted in the ground. Choose well-formed, healthy plants.