Image – Flickr/Tatters ✾ // Handroanthus chrysanthus (yellow guaiacwood)
Do you like the colour yellow? I admit that it is not one of the colours I enjoy seeing the most, but when I see a yellow flower, and especially if it is from a tree, I can spend a long time contemplating its beauty. I cannot tell you if it is because where I live there are very few tree species that produce flowers of that colour, or because they are really surprising.
Be that as it may, I'm going to show you a series of trees with yellow flowers, since this way you can decide, first, if you want to plant one in your garden, and second, if you want it to share space with any other on the list.
Blue-leaf acacia (acacia saligna)
La blue leaf acacia It is a very, very pretty, fast-growing tree. Its crown is almost umbrella-shaped once it reaches adulthood. Its branches are hanging, and are always full of leaves. It can grow up to 8 meters, and its trunk thickens to about 50-60 centimetres. During the spring its flowers sprout in great numbers, to the point that, as they fall, a beautiful yellow carpet is created on the ground.
It is native to southern Australia, but today it is found in many parts of the world, such as Spain, southern Africa, and various parts of America. It resists very well both heat and frost of up to -7ºC..
Argyrocytisus battandieri
El Argyrocytisus battandieri, although it is a shrub and not a tree, I have decided to include it on the list since it is possible to train it as a small tree. It is evergreen, and reaches a height of 2 meters. For this reason, it is an ideal species to grow in pots or large planters. It blooms in spring, producing flowers with a good aroma.
Originally from Morocco, it is an easy-to-grow species that It tolerates pruning and also supports cold and moderate frosts., so don't hesitate to have it if you have a small garden or patio.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Image – Flickr/Kurt Wagner
El witch hazel or witch hazel is a deciduous tree that it is rare that it exceeds 6 meters in heightIts leaves are large and a very pretty green colour. These fall off before the plant flowers, which happens in winter. This is interesting because when most plants are dormant, this tree dresses up.
Its origin is in eastern North America, specifically in the temperate forests of the United States. It is, therefore, a plant that It will be grown without much difficulty in temperate climates, without extreme temperatures. In addition, it is necessary to know that the soil must be acidic.
Cane fistula (Cassia fistula)
La reed fistula It is a deciduous tree that it can reach 20 meters in height, but it can be kept much smaller. The trunk, when mature, is not very thick: about 30-40 centimetres thick. Its flowers are hanging, which is why it is also known as the golden shower.
It is native to tropical Asia, as well as Egypt. Its cultivation is very simple, since it resists heat well - as long as it is not too extreme and it has water - and it can be pruned to control its growth. The problem is that does not support frost, so if there are any in your area, I recommend growing it in a pot so you can protect it when the weather gets cooler.
male dogwood (Cornus mas)
Image - Wikimedia / Cayambe
El Cornus mas It is a deciduous tree that, although it produces small flowers, they are also very numerous, so when it blooms it looks very, very pretty. It can measure between 4 and 12 meters., and its trunk remains thin. Its flowering season is during spring, when its leaves have not yet sprouted or are about to do so.
It is found in Europe and Asia. It has a rather slow growth rate, so you will have time to decide whether to plant it in the garden or grow it in a pot. However, it is important to know that it will not grow well in clay soils, since the pH of these is too high. Otherwise, it is a very interesting plant that It can withstand frosts of up to -10ºC.
Yellow guayacan (Handroanthus chrysanthus)
Image - Flickr / Kai Yan, Joseph Wong
There are several tropical trees that have wonderful flowers, but I'm going to tell you about the yellow guayacan, also known as araguaney. This is a deciduous tree, which It can reach a height of approximately 35 meters, and with a trunk 60 centimetres thick. Its flowering period begins, more or less, when the dry season is about to end; that is, when the monsoon rains begin to fall on the ground.
Its origins are found in Central America, specifically in Venezuela, where it is considered the national tree, as well as in Colombia, Mexico, and northern Peru; although it is also cultivated in other countries with a tropical climate. In cultivation it can be very demanding, since in addition to the need for a frost-free climate, it also requires a high level of humidity. It is important that temperatures remain between 15 and 25ºCIn addition, it needs frequent watering, especially during the warmest season of the year.
China soap dish (Koelreuteria paniculata)
El china soap dish It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that reaches a height of 7 metersIt grows at a good rate, but not as fast as, for example, the acacia. I have a specimen in a pot and it grows about 5-8 centimetres each year or so. The flowers bloom in spring and are somewhat pendulous.
Its origins are found in China and Korea; however, due to its high ornamental value, it is easy to enjoy it in botanical gardens in different parts of the world, such as those in Europe. It withstands frosts of up to -12ºC as well as high temperatures of up to 35ºC, but It is important that it is grown in acidic soils, with a low pH, otherwise you will have problems due to lack of iron.
Gold rain (Laburnum anagyroides)
El Laburnum anagyroides It is a deciduous tree that, when it flowers, is quite a spectacle. It reaches a height of only 7 meters, so it can be grown in small gardens or even in pots. The leaves are green, and remain on the plant for most of the year except in winter, when they fall. Its flowers are hanging, and appear during spring.
Originally from central and southern Europe, it is a plant that is surprising me a lot. I have a young specimen - about 20 centimetres - in a pot in the south of Mallorca, and it is responding quite well to the Mediterranean heat, with temperatures of 30-38ºC maximum in summer and with very high air humidity throughout the year. However, should be planted in acidic soil, with a pH of between 3 and 4, and fertilize it with a fertilizer for this type of plants. It tolerates frosts of up to -12ºC very well.
Magnolia yulan (Magnolia denudata 'Yellow river')
Image – arundelarboretum.co.uk
The Yulan magnolia is a very beautiful deciduous tree. Reaches a height of 15 meters, and its leaves are quite large, about 15 centimetres long. However, like the rest of magnolias, it takes its time to grow. But it flowers from a young age, and it does so by producing flowers in early spring, before its branches are full of leaves.
It is native to China, specifically the center and south of the country. Due to its slow growth, it is possible to keep it in a pot if it is pruned. But you should know that requires a temperate climate, as it does not like too much heat. In addition, the soil where it is planted must be acidic, with a low pH. It can withstand frosts of up to -12ºC.
Green stick (Parkinsonia precox)
Image – Wikimedia/Arianza1
The palo verde or brea is a deciduous tree (or rather a small tree) that is very resistant to drought and heat. It can reach a height of between 3 and 5 meters., and its flowers appear throughout the spring. It grows quickly if the conditions are right (i.e. if the climate is not extreme and it has enough water to avoid thirst), and it tolerates pruning.
Its origin is in the United States, where it lives in dry regions. In cultivation it will give us much joy, since it is easy to care for and does not need much to be well. In addition, withstands the heat, as well as mild frosts.
Which of these trees with yellow flowers do you like best? Do you know any others?