Although sometimes known as Pride of India, this handsome smallish tree is actually native to China. It has a very elegant shape with ornamental appeal. The branch structure is dynamic and beautiful.

The Golden Rain Tree is one of the few trees to flower in mid-summer with elegant 30cm (12") panicles of four-petalled, yellow flowers. The flowers are followed by lime coloured seed pods which start off green and age to a papery, golden brown by autumn. It will give an especially fine display in warm, sheltered sites. The dark red bark is striking in winter and contrasts handsomely with the young pinkish-red foliage produced in spring. In autumn, the leaves turn bright yellow.

It is a fast growing, extremely tough deciduous specimen tree with an upright habit, neat with a nice round form and is extremely adaptable. It can be grown in even poor, compacted soil; it is easy to grow and rarely bothered by pests. Attractive to bees, reputedly drought tolerant… a very desirable tree!

The RHS has deservedly given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Sowing:
Sow at any time of year
Store seeds in a fridge until you are ready to sow.

Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water. If they swell up then sow in a cold frame. If they do not swell then soak it for a further 24 hours in hot water (50°C / 120°F) prior to sowing. This should cause the seed to swell but, should this fail, scarification followed by a further 24 hours in warm water should do the trick. To “scarify” the seed take a sharp knife, file or sandpaper and cut or file the hard seed coat away. Do it gently, until you see the white inner of the seed. This will allow water to penetrate the seed itself. Take care not to damage the seed embryo, or your fingers!

Sowing:
The seed need to go through the cold of winter to germinate. If sowing in the autumn or winter, sow into 7.5cm (3in) pots, cover the seeds with 5mm (¼” ) of soil and a sprinkling of fine grit and place them in a sheltered position in the garden.
The compost should be kept moist but not wet at all times.
Some seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks; others may germinate over an extended period. Check them from time to time and pot seedlings into larger pots as they become large enough to handle. Keep an eye on them, they grow quite fast and will need potting on sooner than you think!

If you are sowing at any other time of year, you can imitate the seasons by “cold stratification”. Place the seeds in a small plastic bag or container (film cartridges are good) fill with slightly moist sterilised peat moss or vermiculite and spray with a fungicidal product to help prevent mildew. Place the bag or container in the refrigerator (not freezer) for 12 weeks. Check seeds periodically, if they are germinating, sow immediately as above.

Growing:
Grow on in pots until they are strong enough to plant into their permanent positions
Planting out should be done in late spring. after the last expected frosts, as although hardy, they are susceptible to frosts when young

Aftercare:
Little needed, remove crossing, diseased, dead or damaged branches when tree is dormant.

Plant Uses:
A specimen tree, small shade, focal point, or street tree.
Wind resistant, but it does not like salt-laden winds.