Intermediate
skill rating
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Senna spectabilis (Golden wonder tree)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
6m
Max height
Max height
6m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Senna spectabilis
Other names
Golden wonder tree, American cassia, Popcorn tree, Cassia excelsa, Golden shower tree, Archibald's cassia
Genus
Senna Senna
Species
S. spectabilis - S. spectabilis is a spreading to dome-shaped, tender, evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into oblong to lance-shaped, pointed, dark green leaflets and long racemes of pea-like, yellow flowers from summer into autumn. Flowers are followed by long, cylindrical, green seed pods ripening brown.
Senna spectabilis is: Evergreen
Habit
Spreading, Domed
Flower
Yellow in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. May need restrictive pruning if grown under glass.
Propagation
Sow seed at 18-24C (64-75F) in spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Senna spectabilis (Golden wonder tree) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 6m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Mediterranean, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Containers, City, Beds and borders, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Outdoors in mild climates, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun. Drought tolerant once established. May drop older leaves in winter or drought. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light & moderately humidity. In growth, water moderately & feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Top dress or pot on in spring.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Indoor heated (H1)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Senna spectabilis
Other names
Golden wonder tree, American cassia, Popcorn tree, Cassia excelsa, Golden shower tree, Archibald's cassia
Genus
Senna Senna
Species
S. spectabilis - S. spectabilis is a spreading to dome-shaped, tender, evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into oblong to lance-shaped, pointed, dark green leaflets and long racemes of pea-like, yellow flowers from summer into autumn. Flowers are followed by long, cylindrical, green seed pods ripening brown.
Native to
Central America, South America
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading, Domed
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Colour
Flower
Yellow in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. May need restrictive pruning if grown under glass.
Propagation
Sow seed at 18-24C (64-75F) in spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Senna spectabilis (Golden wonder tree) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 6m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Mediterranean, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Containers, City, Beds and borders, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Outdoors in mild climates, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun. Drought tolerant once established. May drop older leaves in winter or drought. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light & moderately humidity. In growth, water moderately & feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Top dress or pot on in spring.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Indoor heated (H1)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3), Indoor heated (H1) | Tell us... |
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