Staphylea pinnata
common bladdernut
A very large, upright shrub, to 5m in height and spread, with dark green leaves composed of five to seven pointed, oval leaflets. Long, hanging clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers tinged with pink, appear in late spring and early summer followed by pale green, inflated fruit
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
- C Europe
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
Get involved
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