A laburnum tree in flower is a beautiful sight – the burst of dripping, golden yellow flowers in May is truly glorious. Laburnum is also known as the bean tree, bean trefoil or golden rain tree, thanks to its hanging, pea-like blooms. The foliage is attractive, too – fine and divided into oval leaflets.
Laburnums can be grown as small, free-standing trees and can also be trained over a pergola, arch or walkway, which show off the pendulous pea-like flower clusters. The most famous example is at Bodnant Garden in Wales.
Traditionally laburnums were planted in larger gardens, but there are newer varieties that will suit smaller gardens and containers. Laburnums are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in autumn, with fresh foliage appearing the following spring. They are fast growers, putting on around 40cm of growth a year.
All parts of the tree, especially the seeds, are toxic to humans and animals if ingested – keep children and pets away from them. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
