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Description
Koelreuteria Elegans, also known as the Chinese Flame Tree or Bougainvillea Golden Rain Tree, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. This tree is native to China, Korea, and Japan and is known for its stunning display of yellow flowers that bloom in the summer, followed by papery lantern-like seed pods that turn a reddish-brown color in the fall. The foliage of Koelreuteria Elegans is also impressive, with large compound leaves that can reach up to 18 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Koelreuteria |
Appearance
Koelreuteria Elegans has a broad, rounded crown with a single trunk. The bark is smooth and gray, and the leaves are large and compound, with 7-15 leaflets that are 2-4 inches long. The flowers of Koelreuteria Elegans are small and yellow, and they grow in large, showy clusters that can reach up to 18 inches long. The seed pods that follow are papery and lantern-like, and they turn a reddish-brown color in the fall.
Care Guide
To care for Koelreuteria Elegans, follow these tips:- Water: This tree prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize Koelreuteria Elegans in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: This tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: Koelreuteria Elegans prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Koelreuteria Elegans is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by scale insects, aphids, and powdery mildew. These issues can typically be treated with insecticidal soap or a fungicide.
Habitat
Koelreuteria Elegans is native to China, Korea, and Japan and is commonly found in urban areas and along roadsides. This tree prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Koelreuteria Elegans?
A: This tree prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Koelreuteria Elegans?
A: This tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: Can Koelreuteria Elegans be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this tree can be grown in a container, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: How tall does Koelreuteria Elegans grow?
A: Koelreuteria Elegans can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Related Plants
– Koelreuteria Paniculata (Golden Rain Tree)- Koelreuteria Bipinnata (Chinese Soapberry)- Koelreuteria Integrifoliola (Chinese Koelreuteria)
References
– The Spruce. (2021). Koelreuteria Elegans: Chinese Flame Tree. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/koelreuteria-elegans-3269302- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Koelreuteria Elegans. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c207
