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Decaisnea fargesii

blue bean shrub

A very large, deciduous shrub with bold, divided leaves up to 90cm long which are tinged with blue in spring, and turn clear yellow in autumn. Long sprays of insignificant, greenish flowers are followed in autumn by metallic-looking, grey-blue, bean-like pods up to 10cm long

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Yellow Blue Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lardizabalaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Decaisnea are deciduous shrubs with large, handsome, pinnate leaves and rather insignificant greenish flowers in summer, followed by conspicuous, bean-like fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade with shelter from strong winds

Propagation

Sow seed in containers in an open frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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