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Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Flame Tree

About Your New Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Flame Tree

Koelreuteria bipinnata, commonly known as the Chinese Flame Tree, is a deciduous ornamental shade tree grown for its bold seasonal display. Through late summer and into autumn it carries large, airy sprays of golden-yellow flowers, which give way to its signature feature: showy papery seed capsules that flush pink to salmon-red and hang like clusters of small lanterns across the canopy.

Its foliage is large and bipinnate, finely divided into many leaflets for a soft, fern-like texture, turning warm yellow tones before dropping in winter. Mature trees form a rounded, spreading canopy around 6 to 9 metres tall and wide, making Koelreuteria bipinnata an excellent medium shade, feature or street tree.

It grows in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, adapting well to a range of soil types and to urban conditions. Moderate growing and low-maintenance, Koelreuteria bipinnata is drought tolerant once established and frost tolerant when mature, though young trees benefit from protection through their first cold seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Flame Tree

How tall does Koelreuteria bipinnata grow?

Koelreuteria bipinnata generally reaches around 6 to 9 metres tall and wide at maturity, forming a rounded, spreading canopy. It is a moderate grower, making it a manageable medium shade or feature tree for most gardens.

When does Koelreuteria bipinnata flower?

Koelreuteria bipinnata flowers in late summer into autumn, producing large airy sprays of golden-yellow blooms. The flowers are followed by its standout pink to salmon papery seed capsules.

What are the pink lanterns on the Chinese Flame Tree?

After flowering, Koelreuteria bipinnata produces papery seed capsules that flush pink to salmon-red and hang in clusters like small lanterns. This colourful capsule display is the tree's signature ornamental feature and lasts well into autumn.

Is Koelreuteria bipinnata deciduous?

Yes. Koelreuteria bipinnata is deciduous, with large bipinnate leaves that turn warm yellow tones before dropping in winter. Fresh foliage returns in spring.

Where should I plant Koelreuteria bipinnata?

Koelreuteria bipinnata grows best in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. It suits feature, shade and street planting, and tolerates urban conditions well, making it a versatile choice for gardens and streetscapes.

Is Koelreuteria bipinnata frost tolerant?

Koelreuteria bipinnata is frost tolerant once mature and handles light to moderate frost. Young trees are more tender and benefit from a sheltered position or protection through their first cold seasons.

How much watering does Koelreuteria bipinnata need?

While establishing, Koelreuteria bipinnata needs regular watering. Once established it is drought tolerant and performs well with deep, occasional watering through extended dry periods.

What soil does Koelreuteria bipinnata prefer?

Koelreuteria bipinnata performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam and tolerates a range of pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Heavy clay should be improved with organic matter and coarse material to lift drainage.

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Uses in my Garden

  • Feature Tree
  • Shade Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Street Tree

Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Flame Tree works in an:

  • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
  • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
  • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
  • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

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Planting Information

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