To propagate from stem cutting, choose a section of stem with a leaf and node on it. All parts of the golden chain tree are toxic if ingested. Put on gloves before pruning. The golden chain tree has a relatively fast growth, adding 2-3 feet to its height each season. Prune the golden rain-tree while it's still young to space major branches along the trunk and create a strong branch structure. Cut these back to the trunk or the nearest healthy wood. The Laburnum does not thrive in areas with high humidity, so plant in environments with normal humidity. Remove these when they are still small, when possible. Cut back branches developing a poor angle that detracts from the shape of the tree. Golden chain tree. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. You can remove dead and damaged branches at any time of year. Goldenchain trees are planted in lawns or in borders. You can grow it as a tree or keep it as a shrub. Cut back to the trunk or where they intersect with a large, healthy branch. Prune as little as possible. Its flowers are held on voluminous flower stems and usually they are drooping. Never prune more than one-third of a tree's size in one season.Check the golden chain tree for caterpillars if you notice holes or ragged edges in the foliage. Dispose of pruning waste where animals and children won't come in contact with it. Whether you’re growing the Laburnum as a tree or a shrub outdoors, potting is not something you would need to worry about. Many people wonder what these trees are because they are so striking with their golden yellow pea shaped flowers that hang in long panicles thus the common name. blooms on wood from the previous season so the only time you can prune it without risk of removing flowers is after it flowers in the spring. Growing goldenchain trees requires pruning when they are young. Late frost in spring may ruin the blooms and shorten their display. Yearly pruning is enough to keep the tree at a desired shape or size. Contact with the tree causes skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, if your area has a climate that’s suitable for the golden chain tree, you should certainly give the golden chain tree a try. It’s best to prune this tree right after the blooming period is finished. Tip the cutting into rooting hormone and cover with a clear plastic to lock the moisture in. When propagating from root cutting, do so in the dormant season. This is an easy and trouble-free tree to grow but there are a few points to be aware of. Native to Southern Europe, the golden chain tree is part of the pea family (Fabaceae). The golden chain tree, commonly called laburnum or golden rain tree, is a shrub or tree-like plant that grows chains of flowering vines that have quinolizidine (lupine) alkaloids. The golden chain tree is relatively cold hardy, but especially vicious winters can cause damage to the trees. Rinse the shears or saw in a dilute bleach solution after each cut to prevent the spread of disease. The drooping clusters of flowers can reach a length of 24 inches. Sometimes excess sun exposure can scald the branches of the tree. A. Use a pruning saw for branches thicker than 1 inch in diameter and pruners for thinner branches. Provide moderate to regular amounts of water, and make sure soil has good drainage. Laburnum are deciduous trees native to southern Europe. The healthiest and most attractive trees grow on one strong leader. When it reaches maturity, the golden chain tree can be 15 to 25 feet tall and spreads to almost the size of its height, but it’s often smaller in width, usually ⅔ of its height. Choose healthy new roots near the root crown. Reaching a height of 15 to 30 feet, golden chain trees require light annual pruning after they finish flowering each year to maintain their shape and size. The last of our spring bloomers is the golden chain tree (laburnum). earn their name from the pendulous chains of yellow flowers that hang from the branches in spring and early summer. After the flowering period, seed containing pods will form. There are two kinds – common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) and alpine laburnum (Laburnum alpinum). It is these alkaloids in the tree that can make your dog, or other small animals, sick. Golden chain trees (Laburnum spp.) You can start their germination indoors at a temperature of 55 to 70 F. You can expect the seeds to germinate in 30-60 days. I’ve created this website to help beginners care for their plants. The toxic principle is the quinolizidine alkaloid cytisine, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions and even death. Because of its toxicity, you should avoid keeping this plant in your garden if you have pets, children, or other animals that might eat the seeds or other parts of the plant. Inspect the tree for crossed branches or those rubbing together. Laburnum trees don’t require extra fertilization. Prune the tree's stems and branches to promote a good shape and structure. Well-drained soil should be used for optimal growing of this tree. They grow upright and are typically pruned to a single trunk but can be shrubby if allowed to keep basal suckers and low branches. Prune only as much as you absolutely need to prune, and never remove more than 25 percent of a tree's branches. As long as the soil is not waterlogged, this tree will grow in any type of soil. Weeping Laburnum) will steal the show in your late spring garden. This very attractive garden tree has an upright base with a beautiful spreading canopy and bluish-green foliage. Trees in warm climates may not bloom well, or for as long as they do in cooler areas. The Laburnum enjoys full sun to partial sun. When in full bloom, the golden chain tree  (Laburnum x watereri) is a sight to behold — with drooping clusters that are 24 inches long and fragrant yellow flowers that are densely packed, this tree is highly ornamental. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my referral links. The tree will not thrive in USDA hardiness zones that are below 5. Multiple golden chain cultivars and hybrids exist. The golden chain tree is undeniably a beautiful addition to any patio or garden. Use a flowerpot and add moist germinating mix to root the cutting. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours, or nick the shell before sowing. Native to central and southern Europe, these are among the garden's prettiest flowering trees. Sow seeds directly in the garden where they are to … If golden rain tree does escape cultivation, it is most likely to grow wild in cooler, upland areas of South East Queensland. Extreme heat or long freeze periods damage or kill the tree. 6 Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. The flowers are followed by attractive, bean-like pods, which ripen in the fall. Larger branches should be cut off 6 to 12 inches (15.2 to 30.5 cm) away from the branch collar. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Golden Chain tree (Laburnum spp.) Prune first for safety, then for health, last for looks When you're deciding what to prune, if the limb is under 5 cm, go ahead, but think twice about pruning branches between 5-cm and 10-cm Don't prune or cut a branch wider than 10 cm without an urgent reason (call a professional) Laburnum is an old favorite and has been grown in gardens for hundreds of years. The why and how to prune your trees and shrubs with great exapmples of how trees recover when pruned corretly. Trim off the seed pods after they form. The short blooming period and the fact that it’s poisonous are certainly things to consider before you plant one in your garden. Remove dead wood by cutting it back to healthy wood. Cut out these branches at their base. They do well in full sun but require afternoon sun in very hot climates. Allow the cuttings to mature at least until the following spring, and then plant the young … Prune off entire branches at a 45° to 60° angle just outside of the branch collar. Place the cuttings in a container filled with a well-drained potting medium. Climate is the biggest factor in successfully growing this tree. Weather that is too warm will also shorten the blooming period. There are other types but for most gardeners these are the ones that grow best in most parts of the UK. Be very careful not to damage the branch collar, which is the raised area of bark at the base of the branch. The trees have beautiful hanging yellow flowers in spring, which gives rise to their nickname ‘the golden chain tree’. With average watering needs, the Laburnum does not need extra watering unless it’s an especially dry season with droughts and heat waves. After the pods dry out, you can harvest the seeds for germination. Find a location that ensures full sun in the first half of the day, and partial shade in the afternoon. PlantIndex.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Remove any dead branches or those that are otherwise damaged or diseased, Cut branches that grow at a bad angle or branches that are crossed or rubbing together. Yes, all parts of the golden chain tree are toxic to animals and humans. Cutting them with shears clips into the needles, causing them to turn brown. Care for the golden chain tree is considered to be simple, with little to no pruning required. Cut the lower branches at the branch collar or the thick area where the branch meets the main trunk. The golden chain tree thrives in well draining alkaline loam. Golden-chain trees are among the most beautiful of flowering trees with three-part leaves and long drooping clusters of yellow pea-shaped flowers. To better shield it from the winter frost, plant in a nook or area close to your patio or other structure. Weeping Golden Chain Tree (a.k.a. Cool temperatures promote the best growth for the golden chain tree. Weeping Laburnum) will steal the show in your late spring garden. You can also propagate from root cutting and stem cutting. The FAQ section below deals with some of the less appealing aspects of Laburnum trees. The flowers are reminiscent of wisteria long (60 cm), of fragrant pea-like yellow flowers. Cut or pull these off at their base. Its cultivation presents moderate difficulty, but my plant care tips below will help you get the best out of your Laburnum tree. This tree is also known as golden chain tree, because of the way its flowers. Adding mulch on top of their soil in early spring will ensure the extra boost needed for each season. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Like Rapunzel casting down her golden locks, this strongly weeping ornamental tree unfurls long strands of sunny yellow flowers that sweep the ground. A spectacular sight in late spring, Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' (Golden Chain Tree) is a deciduous large shrub or small tree of breathtaking beauty when in full bloom. Despite some of the drawbacks of growing the Laburnum tree, many will choose to have it in their gardens. Cover the laburnum cuttings with clear plastic, and then place the container in a warm spot and bright, indirect light. Your email address will not be published. Light pruning to increase branchiness will increase the tree's attractiveness. If you don’t have pets, small children or livestock in your garden, you can safely plant Laburnum trees in your garden. Here are some good pointers in which branches to cut while pruning the golden chain tree: The golden chain tree requires some maintenance, but it’s not a plant that needs to be looked after extensively, especially if environmental conditions are otherwise optimal. When you are caring for Laburnum trees, prune out secondary leaders early to help the trees develop strong structures. This deciduous tree grows well in mild U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 8, although it can tolerate warmer climates if the summer weather is mild. As a young tree it is a fast grower, but it takes longer time to flower. 1 Put on gloves before pruning. Alternatively, Laburnum can be grown in containers if you want to keep them on the patio. While golden chain tree has naturalised in parts of Europe and New Zealand, the risk of it doing so in Queensland is relatively low. The golden chain tree blooms in late spring and the blooming period lasts around 2-3 weeks of the weather is a bit cooler. Trimming pine trees to shorten the branches is usually a bad idea. The tree has only a few branches when it is young. This will help avoid any damage that may be caused by too much exposure to the sun. This way, the tree will be longer-lived and require little maintenance. Prune after bloom, and remove dead or crowding branches. A larvae food plant for several species of butterflies, it has gorgeous pendulous yellow flowers that densely grow 10 to 20 inches long, with trifoliate or clover-like leaves. To propagate golden chain, take 3- to 5-inch cuttings from a mature tree in late fall or early winter. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Prune an older golden rain tree by removing lower limbs that interfere with access to the lower portion of the tree such as when mowing or cultivating. Before you attempt any pruning, wear protective gloves as the sap of the tree can irritate the skin. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you’re propagating Laburnum from seeds you will need a pot to germinate the seeds and make sure the plant gets established enough to be planted outside. Here are some good pointers in which branches to cut while pruning the golden chain tree: Remove any dead branches or those that are otherwise damaged or diseased Cut branches that grow at a bad angle or branches that are crossed or rubbing together Cut … Another common generic name is the Golden Chain tree. Thin the interior branches, stems and foliage to promote good air circulation and light penetration throughout the tree. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Each cut you make compromises the tree protection system and opens the tree to potential fungus and insect infestation. If you’re planning on growing this tree in the US, check your USDA hardiness zone. Keep the potting medium lightly moist until the seeds germinate. Cut seed pods at their base right after they form. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Prune the weeping golden chain tree in winter with sharp, disinfected tools. After that time, remove the plastic and place the container in brighter light. Reaching a height of 15 to 30 feet, golden chain trees require light annual pruning after they finish flowering each year to maintain their shape and size. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the seed … Growing Golden Chain Trees from Seed Golden Chain seed can be collected from the tree after the pods have dried and turned brown. Give a pine tree a dense, compact growth pattern by pinching back the candles, or new growth tips, in spring. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. The golden chain tree is hardy down to USDA 5 but it’s not recommended for zones that are USDA 7 and above. Prune the Bonanza dwarf peach tree in early spring, just before the growing season begins, but avoid pruning the tree during its first year. Fine Gardening: Genus Laburnum (Golden chain tree), University of California: Golden Chain Tree, How to Prune Crab Apples for the Best Shape. Break them of at about the middle by hand. Despite its undeniable beauty, there are a few things to consider before planting a golden chain tree. Golden chain tree is a poisonous plant, so it is not a livestock-friendly, pet-friendly, or child-friendly plant choice. Reminiscent of golden chains, it produces an abundance of drooping clusters, up to 24 in.