Colutea

Description

Colutea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as bladder senna or bladderpod. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. Colutea is known for its unique seed pods that resemble inflated bladders, hence the name bladder senna. The plant produces yellow or orange flowers in the summer, followed by the seed pods in the fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Colutea has a bushy growth habit with arching branches. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-11 leaflets that are elliptic or lance-shaped, and have a bright green color. The flowers are pea-shaped, yellow or orange in color, and grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. The seed pods are inflated, bladder-like, and turn from green to brown as they mature.

Care Guide

Colutea is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your Colutea:

• Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid over-watering as it can cause root rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Colutea prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
• Sunlight: Colutea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce flower production.
• Hardiness Zones: Colutea is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Colutea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that you should be aware of:

• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, reducing photosynthesis and weakening the plant. You can control powdery mildew by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.

Habitat

Colutea is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, woodland edges, and scrubland. It is commonly found in dry, sunny areas with well-drained soils.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Colutea a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Colutea is drought-tolerant once established. However, it grows best with regular watering during the growing season.

Q: Can Colutea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Colutea can be grown in containers. Choose a large container with well-drained soil and water the plant regularly to prevent drying out.

Q: How often should Colutea be pruned?
A: Colutea does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it after flowering to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Q: Can Colutea be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Colutea can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area until they root.

Related Plants

• Colutea arborescens
• Colutea hispanica
• Colutea orientalis

References

• “Colutea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287407.
• “Colutea.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8629/Colutea/Details.
• “Bladder Senna.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/bladder-senna-colutea-arborescens.html.