Laburnums (Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossiii’)

This beautiful tree is also known as golden chain tree, are spring-flowering trees that produce cascades of yellow flowers (much like a yellow wisteria). Laburnums are deciduous trees that grow best in cool climate gardens and are ideal for small or large landscapes. They produce striking flowers just as the leaves begin to grow. After flowering, the leaves are bright green, so they are a stunning feature for many months.

They can be grown as free-standing feature trees or trained over a high sturdy archway to produce a laburnum tunnel. To plant a tunnel, space trees around 1.5m apart on each side of a wide path and gently train the tree against the support. Remove lower growth. Make sure the tunnel is high enough to walk beneath.

Growing conditions

Aspect Laburnums natural habitat is southern and central Europe, so they need a bright, sunny location with shelter from strong winds. They will tolerant shady conditions but will not produce many flowers.

Soil Best with moist deep soil enriched with organic matter. Before planting add homemade compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost. Check the soil beneath the tree every season, remove weeds and apply Seasol Plant + Soil Booster to improve soil and plant health.

Climate Laburnums grow in a cool temperate climate and are frost tolerant while deciduous. These trees do particularly well in cool climate and mountain gardens.

General care

Watering Water regularly in spring as the plants begin to flower and through dry summers to encourage good growth. Laburnums do not like waterlogged soils, so regularly check drainage.

Feeding and mulching These flowering trees respond well to feeding in spring as new growth returns. They can be fed via your preferred method, either liquid or granular food or a combination of both. Keep plants growing well with a granular fertiliser such as Seasol plus Nutrients Roses & Flowers every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Spread under the drip line of the tree (the area at the edge of the foliage canopy) as this is where the feeder roots are located. Remember to water it in thoroughly after application. If you prefer liquid feeding, apply PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Roses & Flowers every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season, around the drip line of the tree’s canopy.

Mulch with organic mulch such composted bark, sugarcane mulch, pea straw or lucerne under trees to deter weed competition and retain moisture (keep mulches away from the tree trunk).

Pruning Trees are naturally elegant and compact so need little pruning however laburnum arches or tunnels need hard pruning in winter every three years. Cut back to the support structure.

Watch out All parts of laburnum are poisonous. Plants self-seed, so remove small plants as they start to grow.