KOELREUTERIA paniculata ‘Coral Sun’

Description

The Plant

KOELREUTERIA paniculata ‘Coral Sun’ is a golden rain tree that develops impressive coral-colored shoots in spring. This phenomenon affects both the leaves and the stems. Later, the foliage takes on a soft green hue, with a slight golden yellow visible in our photo.

Furthermore, in autumn, the leaves of this extraordinary plant are adorned with bright orange and golden yellow shades.

This golden rain tree represents a very slow-growing variety. In fact, it forms a small shrub, at best a small tree, unlike the typical species which belongs to the category of trees. Its small size makes it an excellent plant for small gardens and beds.

Finally, golden rain trees demonstrate great resilience to pollution, drought, and soil pH.

History and Origin

While the typical species KOELREUTERIA paniculata has been planted for centuries, it originates from China and Korea. In 1747, Pierre d’Incarville sent seeds of this plant to Europe. The plant is named KOELREUTERIA in honor of Joseph Gottlieb Kölreuter (1733-1806), a German professor of natural history and a pioneer in the study and hybridization of plants.

Moreover, in ancient China (Zhou Dynasty), it was one of the five official commemorative trees. It was the tree of scholars that was planted near the tombs of scientists. In addition, its seeds were used to make soap in rural areas.

However, the KOELREUTERIA paniculata ‘Coral Sun’ is a relatively recent discovery. Henny Kolster discovered it in 1993 in the Netherlands. It is a sport (a natural genetic mutation) among seedlings.

Subsequently, the plant was legally protected and introduced to the international market in the early 2000s. It then won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).

How to plant and care for KOELREUTERIA paniculata ‘Coral Sun’?

Planting

As mentioned above, this golden rain tree has impressive resilience. Nevertheless, we advise you to take the following points into account to guarantee its good establishment:

1. Find it a place in partial shade or full sun. If the sun shines on it from behind in the morning or evening, this will create a spectacular effect.
2. It accepts fresh to moist, moderately moist, or even dry soils.
3. The soil can be light, normal, or heavy with an acidic, neutral, or calcareous pH.
4. For good preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

Care

As with any newly planted plant, we recommend maintaining regular watering for the first two years and especially during dry periods. Also read our tips on how to water properly and save water here.

Otherwise, it is a very low-maintenance plant. If you need to prune it, do so before the appearance of new shoots, in February or March.