Golden Rain Tree ‘Coral Sun’

The Golden Rain Tree ‘Coral Sun’ (Koelreuteria paniculata ‘Coral Sun’) is a particularly colourful selection of the Golden Rain Tree, valued for its striking coral-pink to orange-red young growth.

In spring, the new foliage emerges in shades of pink, coral and orange-red, gradually changing to yellow-green and then green as the leaves mature. The young shoots also retain attractive reddish-orange tones, giving the tree strong ornamental interest for much of the growing season.

In summer, established trees produce panicles of small yellow flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. These are followed by decorative papery seed pods, often tinged pink to bronze before turning brown.

In autumn, the foliage develops attractive yellow to orange tones, extending the ornamental season.

‘Coral Sun’ has a more moderate size than many large ornamental trees, generally reaching around 6 to 8 metres in height and 3 to 4 metres in spread. It performs best in a sunny position, ideally sheltered from strong winds. It adapts to a wide range of soils provided drainage is adequate and, once established, tolerates heat and dry conditions well.

Botanical name: Koelreuteria paniculata ‘Coral Sun’
Flowering period: July to August
Flower colour: Yellow
Pollinator value: Good
Position: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable, well drained
Foliage: Deciduous
Young growth colour: Pink, coral to orange-red
Autumn colour: Yellow to orange
Mature height: Approx. 6–8 m
Mature spread: Approx. 3–4 m
Hardiness: Good
USDA zone: Approx. 6b–9
Uses: Specimen tree, garden, park, multi-stem tree, small shade tree