Colutea x media
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Colutea x media is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, C. arborescens x C. orientalis.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
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Other
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This species has an extensive root system and is useful for planting on dry sunny banks for stabilizing the soil. Plants can be grown as a hedge.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Hedge: Hedge
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered position. Succeeds in poor and in dry soils, growing well on sunny banks. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and salt-laden winds. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Flowers are produced on the current year's growth. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in hot water and sow late winter in a greenhouse. Scarification can help speed up the germination process. Germination can be slow and erratic, though treated seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This species is a hybrid and so is unlikely to breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings are not very long-lived.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist