Upright Golden Rain Tree, Upright Pride of Indian, Pride of India Fastigiata

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

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

The lantern-shaped fruits are peachy pink 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 to perform 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

Common names

Upright Golden Rain Tree, Upright Pride of Indian, Pride of India Fastigiata

Height of tree

3-7m

Soil type

Well drained, Chalk/Alkaline

Shape

Narrow

Blossom Colour

Yellow

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Good for bees

Looks good in

Summer

Location

Garden

Genus

Koelreuteria