Robinia hispida

RHS Plant Profile
rose acacia

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rose acacia RHS

Other common names

bristly locust, moss locust

Synonyms

Robinia hispida 'Rosea' misapplied

Shrubs
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A suckering deciduous shrub with bristly branches bearing pinnate leaves with oval leaflets, and short racemes of deep rose-pink flowers 3cm long in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eatenskin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Robinia are vigorous suckering trees and shrubs, sometimes thorny, with pinnate leaves and racemes of pea-type flowers in early summer, sometimes followed by seed pods
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Can be wall-trained, tying in young growths when they are pliable. Shelter from strong winds, as the branches are brittle

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Propagate by root cuttings, or propagate by grafting in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1; prune in mid- to late-summer to prevent bleeding. Remove suckers in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus