Decaisnea fargesii
blue bean shrub
A very large, deciduous shrub with bold, divided leaves up to 90cm long which are tinged with blue in spring, and turn clear yellow in autumn. Long sprays of insignificant, greenish flowers are followed in autumn by metallic-looking, grey-blue, bean-like pods up to 10cm long
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Blue Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lardizabalaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Decaisnea are deciduous shrubs with large, handsome, pinnate leaves and rather insignificant greenish flowers in summer, followed by conspicuous, bean-like fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade with shelter from strong winds
Propagation
Sow seed in containers in an open frame in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.