Koelreuteria paniculata Fastigiata

Koelreuteria paniculata Fastigiata is an upright and compact form of the Price of India, or Golden Rain tree, that was raised in Kew Gardens using seed sourced from Shanghai in 1888.

This unusual, somewhat exotic, tree has foliage which is bright green and slightly feathery in appearance, as the leaf margins are gently serrated and lobed.  The yellow flowers appear in panicles in July and August, adorning the outer edges of the tree. 

The lantern shaped fruits are peachy pink in colour and contrast distinctly with the green foliage, which gradually turns to golden yellow as the autumn progresses.

To thrive, the Upright Golden Rain tree is best planted in dry, calcareous soils with a sunny, sheltered position however it has been known performing well in less than optimum urban conditions.

Koelreuteria paniculata Fastigiata forms an upright, columnar, tree at maturity making it a useful selection in restricted spaces. 

Being unusual and interesting, this tree is well suited to arboretum collections and specimen planting. 

In some ways this upright form is of better shape than the species as a young tree, as often young Pride of India can be characteristically a little unruly and untidy in shape.

Mature height: 3-7m