Plant Database

Other Names:  Varnish Tree, Pride of India

Description:

An exceptional ornamental tree with airy panicles of golden yellow flowers in mid summer; emerging red foliage turns yellow, then green with red petioles; coral-orange fall color; flowers best in full sun

Ornamental Features

Coral Sun Golden Rain Tree features airy plumes of yellow flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. It features abundant showy rose capsules from early to mid fall. It has yellow-variegated emerald green foliage with hints of coral-pink which emerges red in spring. The serrated pinnately compound leaves turn an outstanding orange in the fall. The furrowed silver bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Coral Sun Golden Rain Tree is a dense deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Coral Sun Golden Rain Tree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Coral Sun Golden Rain Tree will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.