Colutea × media

RHS Plant Profile
orange bladder senna
orange bladder senna RHS

Other common names

small bladder senna

Shrubs

A vigorous shrub to 3m, with an open, rounded habit. The pinnate leaves are grey-green, and the flowers rich yellow, tinged with coppery-orange. The bladder-like pods, to 8cm long, are tinged with red and make a conspicuous feature

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Colutea are deciduous shrubs with pinnate leaves and short axillary racemes of pea-like yellow or deep orange flowers in summer, followed by translucent, inflated fruits
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in poor dry soil in exposed conditions, but likes full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring or propagate by greenwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free