What soil does Golden rain tree grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Golden rain tree hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Golden rain tree be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Golden rain tree flower?

Flowering: June–August, yellow.

How much water does Golden rain tree need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Golden rain tree

Koelreuteria paniculata

Golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a small tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €59.

Illustration of Golden rain tree — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A heat and drought tolerant small tree that carries large yellow flower panicles in midsummer, when few other trees bloom, followed by papery lantern-like seed pods that last into winter. In sun it is happy in almost any well-drained soil and handles city air well. Expect it to drop plenty of seed and raise many seedlings, and keep it out of windy spots because the wood is brittle.

Watch out for

The wood is brittle, so branches split easily in storms and under snow. It sets a lot of seed and seedlings come up in beds, paving joints and neglected ground; in Central Europe it is recorded as a casual garden escape, so do not plant it next to natural habitats. Young trees can be cut back by hard winters but recover well. Verticillium wilt, canker and root rot occur occasionally, the last mainly on wet soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, yellow

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	5 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	7–12 m × 7–12 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–August, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit, Leaves
Planting distance	600 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €59

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €59

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants that give shade Plants for a Mediterranean garden Plants with autumn colour

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