Colutea × media
orange bladder senna
A vigorous shrub to 3m, with an open, rounded habit. The pinnate leaves are grey-green, and the flowers rich yellow, tinged with coppery-orange. The bladder-like pods, to 8cm long, are tinged with red and make a conspicuous feature
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Green Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Colutea are deciduous shrubs with pinnate leaves and short axillary racemes of pea-like yellow or deep orange flowers in summer, followed by translucent, inflated fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in poor dry soil in exposed conditions, but likes full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring or propagate by greenwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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