Scientific Name
Laburnum × watereri (Wettst.) Dippel
Common Name(s)
Golden Chain Tree, Waterer Laburnum, Bean Tree
Scientific Classification
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Genisteae
Genus: Laburnum
Origin
Laburnum × watereri is a naturally occurring cross between Laburnum anagyroides and Laburnum alpinum.
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Late spring and early summer
Description
Laburnum × watereri is a deciduous flowering tree with trifoliate leaves that are slightly hairy beneath. It grows up to 25 feet (7.5 m) tall.
Dense, drooping racemes of pea-like yellow flowers appear in late spring and early summer, followed by partially-developed hairy seed pods.

Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 7b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 10 °F (−12.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Choose a growing site that is exposed to full sunlight. The more sunlight, the better the Laburnum will bloom. An exception to this rule is home gardeners who live in USDA zone 8. Laburnums do not tolerate heat well, so gardeners who live in hotter climates should choose a location that gets morning sun but is shaded from direct exposure to hot afternoon sunlight.
Plant your Laburnum in rich, well-drained soil. These trees are small — they average about 20 feet (50 cm) in height — so they can also be grown in containers. If you use a container, make sure it has drainage holes.
Water frequently. These trees thrive in cool, moist soils and grow best in climates with mild, wet summers. Water at least once each week — more often when the weather is hotter than usual.
Fertilize in early spring before bud break. Use a fertilizer formulated for flowering trees and shrubs and one that has a high acid content. Laburnums thrive in high pH soils. Follow the directions on the package according to the size and age of your Laburnum.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Laburnum.
Links
- Back to genus Laburnum
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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