Robinia × margaretta 'Pink Cascade'
(syn. Robinia Casque Rouge)
This tree is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
In early summer, 'Pink Cascade' enchants with abundant deep-pink fragrant flowers that hang in racemes, around 15-20cm (6-8in) long. Stronger in colour than many pink false acacia trees, these pea-like blooms are a fabulous sight when buffeted by a gentle breeze suspended beneath a light, domed canopy of mid-green leaves with round leaflets. Later in the year, these pinnately arranged leaflets, turn vibrant yellow before falling in the autumn. This small, deciduous tree is a hybrid of Robinia hispida var. kelseyi and Robinia pseudoacacia and thrives in full sun, tolerating light shade.
Container grown trees can be planted any time of year. Begin by removing weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a square hole as deep as the pot size and twice as wide, incorporate some well-rotted organic matter/compost into the planting hole and sprinkle some mycorrhizal fungi to aid tree establishment. Once planted, secure with a stake, position at an angle (to avoid penetrating the roots) and attach the tree to the stake with a tree tie. Keep well watered for best results.
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin irritant