How to Grow and Care for Golden Chain Tree

There are only two species in the genus Laburnum, common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides), and alpine laburnum (Laburnuym alpinum), both native to southern Europe. What is commonly referred to as golden chain tree in the United States is Laburnum x watereri, a cross between the two species that is considered a superior tree for landscaping than either parent.

This stunning beauty has golden-yellow flowers with which it drips in late spring. The racemes have a strong fragrance. The golden blooms may be 10 to 20 inches in length. On older specimens, the bark is often dark and quite fissured. Leaves are made of three leaflets that look like pointy clover leaves.

Golden chain trees should be planted in the fall or early spring. They are relatively fast growers, gaining more than 24 inches per year.

The tree is toxic to humans, and toxic to pets.

Golden Chain Tree Care

Laburnum is the goldilocks of the plant world, and not just in appearance. It grows best in a narrow range of USDA planting zones. Just like in the fairy tale, it does not like it too cold, but it does not like it too hot, either, especially if you are keen on an optimal floral display.

Golden chain tree is relatively rare due to its fussiness and to various other problems to which it is susceptible. Still, its beauty makes it well worth trying if you have a climate conducive to growing it.

Young specimens require staking, as the trunks are quite floppy.

Light

Pick a spot with full sun to plant your golden chain tree.

Soil

Good drainage is crucial but in terms of soil acidity, the tree adapts to a pH range from acid to alkaline (pH 5.0 to 8.0).

Water

The tree has medium moisture requirements. Be sure the water doesn't puddle at the base.

Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer in early spring (one designed for flowering trees and shrubs, with a high acid content).

Golden Chain Tree Varieties

There are three notable cultivars of the golden chain tree:

• Laburnum anagyroides 'Sunspire', a dwarf variety growing 12 ft. tall and 6 ft. wide
• Laburnum anagyroides 'Yellow Rocket', a trademarked cultivar with a columnar, narrow growth habit that makes it suitable for smaller spaces
• Laburnum × watereri 'Vossii', a cultivar that produces fewer pods and less seeds than other types
  

Pruning

Young golden chain trees have weak branches. It is best to prune these after each blooming season, as a preventive measure against winter damage.

Propagating Golden Chain Tree

Unless it is the trademarked cultivar 'Yellow Rocket' you can propagate the golden chain tree from root cuttings, hardwood cuttings, or whip-grafting. Propagation from hardwood cuttings is the easiest for home gardeners. Here is how it's done:

1. In the fall, choose a strong stem and cut 8 to 10 inches of it, stripping the leaves from the bottom half and making sure to include at least a few nodes.
2. Remove leaves from the lower third. Dip the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a 4-inch pot filled with damp potting mix.
3. Overwinter the cutting in a protected location outdoors such as a cold frame. Keep the soil moist at all times.
4. In the spring, if the cutting has rooted, new shoots will appear. Leave plants in the pot for at least another year until you have a strong sapling.

Growing From Seed

All the commonly grown golden chain trees are cultivars or cross-breds. Starting them from seed won't produce a tree true to the parent and is therefore not recommended.

Potting and Repotting Golden Chain Tree

The smaller varieties of golden chain tree can be grown in containers. Make sure the container is at least one inch wider than its current pot. The container needs to be heavy enough so it does not topple over. For adequate drainage, it should have large drain holes.

Once the tree outgrows its container, repot it in a container one size up from the original pot.

Overwintering

Laburnums are susceptible to sunscald, which happens when nighttime temperatures drop after warm days. The cold damages trees with a thin bark. To protect it, wrap the trunk with with tree wrap before the onset of winter.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Blight, canker, and leaf spot are potential diseases to keep an eye out for. Aphids and mealybugs may also be attracted to the tree; there are various methods to control them.

Common Problems

In water-logged soil, the tree develops root rot, which manifests itself as yellow and/or wilted leaves. It eventually kills the tree.

Because of its (toxic) seeds, golden chain tree is also considered messy.