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Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia

Most loved for its perfectly rounded “mop top” canopy that creates a clean, architectural feature in structured landscapes.

Regular price $170.00
Sale price $170.00 Regular price
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02 Your selection
Size: 30cm/33cm
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Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$170.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$280.00
50cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$340.00
75LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$750.00

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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About Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera', the Mop Top Robinia, is a deciduous tree grafted onto a straight standard trunk to form a tight spherical head. The small pinnate leaves are fine textured, and the closely spaced branching inside the graft gives the crown its clean, even ball shape. It seldom flowers.

Full sun and well drained soil suit it, including sandy and moderately poor ground. It is frost hardy through heavy and repeated frost, tolerates wind, and copes with dry spells and compacted urban soil once established. Growth is moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, and the head thickens each season.

It is specified for formal streetscapes, courtyards, driveways and structured garden designs where every tree must read the same. The compact head sits comfortably over paths and parking bays without encroaching. For small spaces that need a deciduous tree with a predictable outline, there are few better options.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Mop Top Robinia

What is a Mop Top Robinia?

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera' is a deciduous tree grafted onto a straight standard trunk, forming a tight spherical head of fine pinnate foliage. The branching within the graft is dense and evenly arranged, so the crown reads as a clean ball. It very rarely flowers, which keeps the shape unbroken.

How big does Mop Top Robinia grow?

Overall height depends on where the graft sits, but most trees settle at around 4 to 5 metres with a head 3 to 4 metres across. Growth is moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. The trunk does not lengthen after planting, so the height you buy largely sets the clearance.

Is Mop Top Robinia deciduous?

Yes. It drops its leaves through the colder months and leafs out again in spring with fresh green growth. Through winter the bare, evenly spaced branches of the grafted head keep a strong sculptural outline, which is part of why it is used so often in formal designs.

Does Mop Top Robinia flower?

Rarely, and it is not grown for flowers. Unlike the parent black locust, which carries hanging white pea flowers, this grafted form puts its energy into foliage and canopy shape. That absence of flower and seed is an advantage in courtyards and paved areas where litter is a nuisance.

Is Mop Top Robinia frost tolerant?

Yes. It is frost hardy and survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, so it performs well in cold inland and tableland gardens as well as in temperate cities. It also handles wind and hot dry summers once established, which is why it appears so often in exposed streetscapes.

Can Mop Top Robinia grow in a pot?

It can, in a large container of at least 60 centimetres, though it will need more water and feeding than a tree in the ground and the head will stay smaller. Use a free-draining mix, water deeply through summer, and refresh the top layer of mix each year.

How do I prune and care for Mop Top Robinia?

Prune in late winter while dormant, shortening the previous season's growth back to the framework and thinning congested branches from inside the head. That keeps the ball tight and even. Remove any suckers or shoots on the trunk below the graft as soon as they appear. Water through dry summers.

Foliage

Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

Position
  • Full Sun
Form
  • Compact
  • Rounded
Use
  • Feature Tree
  • Driveway Border
  • Avenue Planting
  • Shade Tree
  • Council or Civic Landscapes

Planting Information

How To Plant Your Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

  • Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia in Different Soil

Robinia pseudoacacia performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Uses in my Garden

Uses in my Garden

  • Feature Tree
  • Driveway Border
  • Avenue Planting
  • Shade Tree
  • Council or Civic Landscapes

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia works in an:

  • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
  • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
  • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.

Is Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia Evergreen or Deciduous?

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4m to 6m

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

  • Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia

Is Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia frost tolerant?

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia Flower?

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ does not produce ornamental flowers. Unlike the species form, this grafted cultivar rarely blooms and is grown primarily for its distinctive rounded “mop top” canopy and neat architectural form.

Does Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia flower?

  • No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

  • Not Applicable

Flower Type:

  • Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia an Australian Native Tree?

No

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia is Native to Eastern North America, where Robinia pseudoacacia grows naturally in open forests, slopes, and well-drained woodland environments.

What is the Wildlife Value of Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia ?

Its dense rounded canopy provides useful shelter for small birds and beneficial insects within garden settings. While not a major nectar plant, the foliage and branching structure contribute habitat value by offering protected spaces for wildlife in urban and suburban landscapes.

How much Sunlight does Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia need?

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia will thrive best in:

  • Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poorer soils provided drainage remains adequate. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions unless significantly improved, as excess moisture can restrict root health and growth. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia Drought Tolerant?

Is Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it benefits from regular watering to establish evenly, particularly during warmer months. Once established, Mop Top Robinia shows good drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods when planted in well-drained soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Mop Top Robinia produce flowers?
A: The ‘Umbraculifera’ cultivar rarely flowers and is primarily grown for its rounded canopy.

Q: How large does Mop Top Robinia grow?
A: It typically reaches around 4–6 metres tall with a rounded canopy about 3–4 metres wide.

Q: Is Mop Top Robinia suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, its compact globe-shaped canopy makes it suitable for smaller landscapes and driveway planting.

Q: Does it require regular pruning?
A: Only occasional shaping or removal of stray growth is needed to maintain its rounded form.

Compare sizes

30cm/33cm

Enquire for current heights

40cm/45L

Enquire for current heights

50cm

Enquire for current heights

75L

Enquire for current heights

Photographs are not to scale. Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ is loved for its perfectly rounded “mop top” canopy that creates a clean, architectural feature in structured landscapes.

We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

Plant Your Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ – Mop Top Robinia With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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