A cross between Laburnum alpinum and Labernum anagrroides, the golden chain tree (Laburnum x watereri “Vossii”) is a weeping deciduous stunner. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, it takes its nickname from the pendulous yellow flower clusters that hang from the tree, reminiscent of golden chains. The golden chain tree may grow to 20 feet high, making it an ideal specimen plant, especially in a moderately sized yard. Although some think the tree is more suited to an experienced gardener, its care is not that difficult.
Grow the weeping golden chain tree in an area with free-draining soil. If you live along the coast, grow the tree in full sun. Inland gardeners should grow the tree in an area that provides shade in the afternoon.
Water the golden chain tree slowly every two weeks. Apply the water at the tree’s drip line, ensuring that the roots are moist. Test for moisture by inserting a metal rod 12 to 18 inches into the soil. If it comes out moist, you've applied enough water.
Fertilize the tree in spring, just before it begins growing, with a granular 10-10-10 fertilizer. Typically, an established tree needs 1 cup of fertilizer, spread from 6 inches away from the trunk to 1 foot beyond the drip line. Never apply more than 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10 per foot of the tree’s height.
Prune the weeping golden chain tree in winter with sharp, disinfected tools. Remove dead wood by cutting it back to healthy wood. Cut off branches that cross over other branches and those that crowd together. Remove the seed pods in winter to promote flowers in the following season. Never prune more than one-third of a tree's size in one season.
Check the golden chain tree for caterpillars if you notice holes or ragged edges in the foliage. Pick the caterpillars off and drop them into a bucket filled with 1 gallon of water and 2 teaspoons of dish detergent. Several types of mealybugs (insects in the Pseudococcidae family) may infest the tree. These pest suck the juices from the foliage, weakening the tree and slowing its growth. Shoot the white, cottony masses of mealybugs off the tree with a strong blast of water.
Prevent stem cankers, caused by various fungal pathogens, by avoiding mechanical injury to the tree and watering at the soil instead of overhead. Mow around the tree carefully. Canker symptoms include dark-colored sunken areas on the woody parts of the plant. Prune off diseased wood by cutting into healthy wood, just above a node on branches. Make the cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Things You Will Need
- Metal rod
- 10-10-10 granular fertilizer
- Pruning equipment
- 2 tsp. dish detergent
- Household bleach
- Disinfect pruning tools by soaking them for two minutes in a solution of 1 part household bleach to 3 parts water.
- Weeping golden chain tree pods and seeds are poisonous.
- Monrovia: Golden Chain Tree
- Gardener’sWorld.com: Laburnum x Watereri “Vossii”
- North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: A Gardener's Guide to Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Mealbybugs
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Stem Cankers and Dieback—Botryosphaeria Dothidea, Cryptosporella Umbrina and Others
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Disinfecting Pruning Tools