Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’

Laburnum x watereri vossii flower (07/05/2011, London)

Position: Full sun

Soil: Moist but well drained

Flowering period: Mid spring to early summer

Eventual Height: 8m

Eventual Spread: 8m

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Faboideae

Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’ is a deciduous tree with a spreading habit. Its dark green leaves are composed of elliptic to obovate leaflets which are up to 5cm long. It bears large 60cm long panicles composed yellow, densely spaced flowers.

Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’ is the most common garden form of laburnum, made by crossing the L. anagyroides and L. alpinum. All parts of the plants are poisonous to humans, most cases of poisoning occurring when children mistake the seedpods for green peas.

Laburnum is the ancient Lain name for Laburnum anagyroides possibly from origins in Lebanon. x watereri is named for Waterer Nursery in Knaphill, England.

Laburnum x watereri vossii (07/05/2011, London)

Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’ is useful to the landscape architect as a specimen tree providing a burst of flower during late spring and early summer. Care must be taken when locating this tree due to its poisonous nature.

Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’ will tolerate almost any soil conditions; it will be happy in acid, neutral or alkaline pH levels, in loam, sand, clay or chalk and facing any aspect in a sheltered or exposed location.

Ecologically, Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’ will attract pollinating insects such as bees that will feed on its nectar.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Laburnum x watereri ‘vossii’ requires little maintenance. Any dead or damaged material should be removed in late winter.