Staphylea colchica
ivory-flowered bladdernut
S. colchica is an upright, deciduous shrub, with glossy leaves of three or five leaflets. In late spring it bears small, white, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in hanging clusters up to 12cm long. They are followed by large, greenish-white, inflated fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Staphyleaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Staphylea are deciduous shrubs or small trees producing hanging clusters of bell- or cup-shaped, white, cream or pink flowers, followed by bladder-like, two- or three-lobed fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, both with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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