La Gold rain It is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive ornamental trees for any garden. Its name evokes the long clusters of yellow flowers that, when displayed in abundance during spring and summer, resemble a true golden waterfall. This floral display not only stands out alone, but also in rows, groups, or even in large pots, it can become the center of attention. If you're looking for a plant that provides color, beauty and a great ornamental value, without a doubt the golden shower is one of the best options.
What is golden shower? Origin and main varieties
common name Gold rain It is used to refer to two species of trees mainly: Laburnum anagyroides, better known in Europe and temperate zones, and Cassia fistula, native to Asia and growing optimally in warm, tropical areas. Both species share a yellow flower in hanging clusters, but have significant differences in terms of climate, morphology and cultivation requirements.
Laburnum anagyroides: Golden shower for temperate climates
This deciduous tree can reach between 7 and 10 meters high, although in cultivation it is usually kept somewhat lower. Its trunk is straight or slightly inclined, with branches that form a branched and ornamental crown. The light green leaves are trifoliate and soft to the touch. Its most notable feature is its spectacular flowering: hanging clusters of yellow flowers 10 to 25 cm long, which appear in mid-spring. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and, like many legumes, its fruits are pods containing seeds. black and very duras. It is important to mention that All its parts—especially the seeds—are toxic if ingested, so you should be careful in gardens with children and pets.
Cassia fistula: Golden shower for warm and tropical climates
La Cassia fistula It is also a deciduous tree, but it stands out for its rapid growth and its size, which can reach Meters 20 under optimal conditions. Native to South Asia, it adapts perfectly to tropical and subtropical climates. Its crown is open and rounded, with slightly hanging branches and leaves composed of pairs of bright green leaflets. The clusters of yellow flowers can measure up to 50-80 cm in length, and its flowering occurs from late spring until well into summer. The fruit pods are cylindrical, dark in color and extremely long (up to 60 cm), containing seeds separated by partitions. Unlike Laburnum, it is not toxicIn fact, it is attributed numerous medicinal properties in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Botanical characteristics and morphology
- Laburnum anagyroides: : Normal height between 7 and 10 meters, branched crown, trifoliate leaves, flowers in hanging clusters up to 25 cm, pods with toxic seeds.
- Cassia fistula: : From 6 to 20 meters, open and rounded crown, pinnate leaves (4-8 pairs of leaflets), flowers in hanging clusters up to 80 cm, fruits in long, cylindrical pods, non-toxic seeds.
Both trees offer a abundant and prolonged flowering. The Laburnum tends to bloom earlier (spring), while the Cassia It does so more towards summer in warm regions. The roots of both trees are deep, allowing them to withstand short periods of drought (Cassia fistula, in particular, is very tolerant), but this characteristic means that they should be planted away from underground structures and pipes.
Where to plant a golden shower? Ideal location and climatic conditions
Both the Laburnum anagyroides and Cassia fistula necesitan direct sunlight to bloom in all their splendor. The ideal exposure is full sun, where they receive at least 6-8 hours of intense light daily. In partially shaded areas, growth is possible, but flowering may be reduced.
- Laburnum anagyroides: Ideal for gardens in temperate zones with cold winters. It tolerates frosts down to -18°C.
- Cassia fistula: Perfect for warm, tropical, or subtropical climates. It can tolerate light, brief frosts (down to -1°C), but suffers damage from severe cold. It does not survive long, freezing winters.
Due to its root system, it is advisable to plant the golden shower at a distance of at least 5 meters of pipes, foundations, walls, or paved floors. This prevents future problems from uplift or root intrusion.
Recommended soil type and substrate
- Laburnum anagyroides: Prefers soils fertile, well-drained and rich in organic matterThe ideal pH is slightly alkaline (between 6.5 and 7.5). It does not tolerate waterlogging.
- Cassia fistula: Adapts to soils sandy or loamy with good drainage. It can grow in poor soils, although it appreciates organic matter. Neutral or slightly alkaline pH is best.
For potting, use a universal substrate enriched with compost, perlite, and coarse sand, in a ratio of approximately 40% potting soil, 30% compost, 20% perlite, and 10% sand. This ensures a excellent drainage and enough nutrition for root growth.
Irrigation: How and when to water the golden shower
Both species require regular waterings to settle in, especially during the first years of life. However, once they have adapted, they present differences:
- Laburnum anagyroides: It requires frequent watering in spring and summer, keeping the substrate moist but never waterlogged. In winter, reduce the frequency, but avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.
- Cassia fistula: During the first few years, watering should be regular, especially during the warm season. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. The key is to avoid excess water that can rot the roots.
To check the water requirement, insert a wooden stick into the soil: if it comes out dry and clean, it's time to water thoroughly. Deep, less frequent watering is always preferable to several shallow, consecutive waterings.
Fertilization and essential nutrients
The right fertilizer ensures a abundant and vigorous flowering:
- Laburnum anagyroides: Fertilize in spring with organic fertilizers such as compost, worm castings, or guano. Avoid overly concentrated chemicals. One annual application at the beginning of budding is usually sufficient.
- Cassia fistula: It prefers a balanced fertilizer at the time of bud break (a 10-10-10 or similar formula) applied twice a year: in early spring and mid-summer. In very poor soils, you can repeat the application during the growing season.
Follow the recommended dosages on the containers to avoid damage from over-fertilizing. In pots, you can alternate with liquid fertilizers diluted in the irrigation water.
Pruning: when and how to do it
The golden shower does not require drastic pruning, but it responds well to light pruning after flowering:
- Remove dead, weak, or diseased branches to maintain the tree's vigor and health.
- Trim overhanging branches slightly to enhance the shape and balance of the canopy.
- In the early years, pinch the tips to encourage branching.
- Avoid over-pruning, as this can reduce flowering in the next cycle.
The best time to prune is after flowering, never during bud break or in the middle of winter. Always use clean, sharp tools.
Propagation: multiplication by seeds and cuttings
The multiplication of the golden shower is simple and is carried out mainly by seeds, although some varieties can also be multiplied by cuttings. For greater success, in avoid excess chlorine in irrigation water and to promote germination, it is advisable to treat the water with specific products or let it stand.
Seeds: techniques to improve germination
- Wash and dry the seeds. Gently scarify the hard shell with sandpaper or by placing them in boiling water for a second.
- Soak them in warm water for 24 hours.
- It germinates in a seedbed with aerated and humid substrate, without waterlogging.
- The seeds of Laburnum require cold stratification (refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks to increase success.
- those of Cassia They germinate best in warm weather, directly in spring.
Cuttings
- In summer, take cuttings of semi-hard wood from young, healthy branches.
- Plant them in moist, protected soil; they root best with rooting hormones and a humid environment.
Both techniques allow for obtaining new specimens, although sowing seeds is the most common and easiest for amateur gardeners.
Common pests and diseases
- Aphids and mites: They suck sap and weaken young shoots and leaves. Spray with potassium soap or neem oil if you detect an infestation.
- Woodlouse: It appears in dry, warm environments. Remove it manually or use specific ecological insecticides.
- Powdery mildew and downy mildew: Fungi that develop when there's excessive humidity in the air. Improve ventilation and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Correct excess water and improve drainage immediately.
- En Cassia fistula: May occasionally be affected by caterpillars or scale insects. Monitor the leaves and apply organic insecticides if necessary.
Prevention is the best strategy: grow in optimal conditions, monitor your plants regularly, and apply organic treatments at the first sign of trouble.
Resistance and rusticity
- Laburnum anagyroides: It suffers from intense heat (continuous temperatures above 30ºC), but resists prolonged cold and intense frost well.
- Cassia fistula: It tolerates drought, heat, and poor soils once established. It is sensitive to severe frosts, but tolerates mild, temporary low temperatures (-1°C).
In areas with harsh winters and mild summers, choose Laburnum anagyroidesIn warm and tropical areas, or very mild winters, opt for Cassia fistula.
Ornamental and medicinal uses and cultivation tips
Gold shower is appreciated not only for its ornamental value, but also for its traditional applications and properties. To enhance its golden shower tree care, it is important to know your specific needs.
- Ornamental: Its flowering makes the tree a focal point in gardens, parks, and avenues. In pots, its size can be controlled with light pruning, and it's an ideal choice for bonsai due to its fine foliage and branched growth.
- Medicinal: Cassia fistula It is noted for its traditional uses: its pulp is famous as a mild laxative, and various extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, and antifungal properties. It is a common resource in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
- Precautions: Laburnum anagyroides It is toxic (especially its seeds). Avoid it in gardens with children or pets. Cassia fistula It is safe in family gardens and public parks.
