Really good gardeners have one thing in common. They all love having that one plant that you can’t have. The Pride of China (Koelreuteria bipinnata) is a classic example of it and certainly a tree to be proud of. This deciduous tree from China and Taiwan is medium to large with a spreading crown. The rather insignificant small yellow flowers appear in long clusters between December and February. In autumn the seed capsules become inflated like miniature Chinese lanterns and colour a rich carmine red which stand out brightly against the green foliage. They persist into winter becoming a bleached cardboard colour before dropping. The seed is white at first but becomes a lustrous black when fully ripened in winter. The plant does best in the cooler zones of Australia but will grow as far north as Brisbane.
Plant Details
Common name: Pride of China
Botanical name : Koelreuteria bipinnata.The genus name commemorates Joseph Koelreuter (1733-1806) Professor of Natural History at Karsruhe. The species bipinnata referring to the shape of the leaves.
Description: Deciduous tree to 10-15m (30-50′) with a single trunk and a spreading broadly conical crown 8-10m (24-30′) wide. Spectacular display of carmine-red fruits in autumn.
Climate: Pride of China will grow from Brisbane south and in cold climates. It is very tolerant of both high summer temperatures and cold winters.
Uses:
attractive feature tree for a medium sized garden or for streets or parks
Likes:
full sun
warm climate with cool or cold winters
tolerates wide range of soils including alkaline and poor soils
Propagation:
Seeds germinate readily if collected when ripe, placed in moist peat and held in the crisper section of the refrigerator for 3 months. In spring just cover seeds in potting mix in a pot and keep in a warm moist place.
Availability:
Pride of China is available as a bare-rooted plant from now until spring. Contact Fleming’s Nurseries on (03) 9756 6105 to locate your nearest retailer. Prices start at approximately $6 for a 60cm (2′) high plant to $20 for a 180cm (6′) high plant. Also available from any Plants Plus Member Nursery, phone (03) 9264 5181 for nearest Member Nursery in your state.
