The short answer

Quick Answer

Laburnum (Golden Rain) thrives in full sun on chalky soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 4 to 7m tall, 3 to 5m spread. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Midsummer, after flowering

How: Minimal. Remove dead, diseased or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Southern Europe

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Widely planted in UK gardens since the 1800s for the spectacular flower display

Folklore: Laburnum was sometimes called the poison tree and was said to be used by witches

Fun fact: Laburnum wood is one of the hardest of any European tree. It was traditionally used for making bows and musical instruments

Historical medicinal uses: None. All parts are highly toxic. The toxin cytisine can be fatal

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the flowers. The flowers are rich in nectar [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 3 out of 10 Low. Toxic foliage deters most insects[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers late May to June. Some yellow autumn colour[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Train over a pergola with wisteria for a yellow and lilac flower combination

Pest control: Generally pest free. Toxic foliage deters most pests

Common diseases and issues: Leaf miner, coral spot, root rot in wet soil. See RHS leaf miner advice

Invasive note: Not invasive. Self-seeds gently but seedlings are usually short lived

CGM care note

We always warn clients with young children about laburnum seeds. If a tree is already in the garden, we deadhead the flowers as soon as they fade to prevent pods forming. For new plantings we use Vossii as it sets very few pods.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Laburnum (Golden Rain)

How Laburnum (Golden Rain) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Blackthorn, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Laburnum (Golden Rain).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Laburnum (Golden Rain) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Laburnum (Golden Rain) (Laburnum x watereri, Laburnum anagyroides). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Laburnum (Golden Rain). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Laburnum x watereri, Laburnum anagyroides. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Fabaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Azani N, Babineau M, Bailey CD, et al. (2017). A new subfamily classification of the Leguminosae. Taxon, 66(1), 44-77.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Fabaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, soil_type, feeding, companion_planting, biodiversity_value.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Laburnum (Golden Rain). The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the flowers. The flowers are rich in nectar") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Low. Toxic foliage deters most insects") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flowers late May to June. Some yellow autumn colour".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the flowers. The flowers are rich in nectar"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Laburnum (Golden Rain)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Low. Toxic foliage deters most insects") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Laburnum (Golden Rain). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Laburnum (Golden Rain)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Fabaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Laburnum (Golden Rain). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Laburnum (Golden Rain). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Laburnum (Golden Rain). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Laburnum (Golden Rain). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Laburnum (Golden Rain). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Laburnum (Golden Rain). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Laburnum (Golden Rain). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Laburnum (Golden Rain) performs well locally

Towns where Laburnum (Golden Rain) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover