Koelreuteria bipinnata

Trees

A spreading, deciduous tree to 8m tall, with large, 2-pinnate leaves composed of opposite pairs of finely toothed, oval leaflets. Red-spotted yellow flowers are borne in pyramidal clusters to 30cm long in late summer; these are followed by unusual, inflated, pink-or red-flushed fruit capsules. A fine specimen tree, flowering best where summers are hot

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 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
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Koelreuteria are slender deciduous trees with attractive, pinnately-divided leaves and panicles of yellow flowers followed by bladdery fruits
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S.W. China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take root cuttings or graft in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

See pruning group 1; prune only to remove damaged or dead wood when dormant in winter

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus