Staphylea pinnata

RHS Plant Profile
common bladdernut
common bladdernut RHS

Other common names

Anthony nut

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Staphyleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free