How to Grow and Care for a Weeping Golden Chain Tree

The Weeping Golden Chain Tree, Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’, is an ornamental tree prized for its dramatic floral display. In late spring, it produces an abundance of long, cascading clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers. These fragrant racemes can hang down as much as 20 inches, creating a visual effect that resembles golden rain. Its elegant, weeping habit provides significant garden interest, making it a focal point. The light green, compound leaves offer a soft texture that complements the vibrant blossoms.

Planting a Weeping Golden Chain Tree

This laburnum performs best in full sun to light shade, as ample sunlight encourages prolific flower production, though it can tolerate partial shade with fewer blooms. It benefits from a spot that offers some shelter from harsh conditions. Provide enough room for the tree to reach its mature size, up to 25 feet tall and 10 feet wide, so its weeping branches can hang freely without obstruction.

This tree is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and is not particular about pH. The most significant requirement is good drainage, as the tree dislikes waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot. It will thrive in average, evenly moist soil. Planting in the spring or fall allows the tree to establish its root system during cooler temperatures. Staking may be necessary to support a young tree’s trunk.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Young trees benefit from regular watering to keep the soil moderately moist as their root systems become established. Once mature, the Weeping Golden Chain Tree is fairly drought-tolerant and will only require supplemental water during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering should be avoided, as the tree is susceptible to root decay in overly wet soil.

This tree does not require heavy feeding and performs well without extensive fertilization. If the soil is particularly poor, a single application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial. This laburnum grows successfully in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7. In the warmer end of its range, providing some afternoon shade can help protect a young tree from heat stress.

A Critical Warning on Toxicity

All parts of the Weeping Golden Chain Tree are poisonous if ingested. This includes the leaves, flowers, and especially the seeds, which develop in pods that can look like edible peas. The plant contains a toxic alkaloid called cytisine, which can cause severe illness in humans and pets. This ‘Vossii’ cultivar was developed to produce fewer pods and seeds than other types, but the risk remains.

Symptoms of laburnum poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, and convulsions. Due to this toxicity, careful consideration must be given to its placement in the landscape. It is advised not to plant this tree in areas frequented by unsupervised children or pets who may be tempted to taste the flowers or seed pods. When handling the plant, wearing gloves is a sensible precaution.

Pruning to Enhance Weeping Form

Pruning is performed to maintain the tree’s health and accentuate its weeping structure. The best time to prune is only after the flowering cycle is complete in late spring or early summer. Pruning at other times, such as in winter, risks removing the wood that will carry the following season’s blooms.

Develop a strong structure by removing any branches that are dead, damaged, or crossing. Thinning the interior of the canopy can also improve air circulation. Avoid hard pruning; instead, make careful cuts that preserve the tree’s natural, graceful form. Any suckers that emerge from the base of the trunk should also be removed as they appear.