Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 7.5m/25ft, width: 4.5m/15ft

Commonly known as golden rain, a laburnum tree in flower is a splendid sight. In late spring or early summer the branches are hung with long racemes of bright yellow flowers. All parts of the tree are highly poisonous, particularly the Noting green seedpods, which look like peas.

GROWING Plant between autumn and spring in any type of well drained garden soil. A sunny site is best but semi-shade is tolerated. Provide stakes until the tree is established. No pruning is needed

PROPAGATION Species may be raised from seed sown in autumn in pots and set in a cold frame. Prick off the seedlings into boxes when they are large enough to handle. Transfer to nursery rows in spring and to the permanent site in the autumn. Hybrids and named varieties are propagated by grafting.

SPECIES L. alpinium (Scotch laburnum), spreading habit, handsome bark in maturity, flowers in 25cm/10in racemes; 'Pvramidalis' is an erect form; L. anagyroides (common laburnum), 3m/10ft high, sometimes more, an early-flowering species with racemes 15-25cm/6-10in long. Named varieties include 'Pendulum', with a weeping habit, good for small gardens. L. x zuatererl, hybrid of moderate height. The variety `Vossii' bears abundant, very long flower racemes.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Honey fungus, leaf miners.