This showy flowering shrub grows to 8 feet tall and wide and features dark green, compound pinnate leaves on bristly stems and pendant clusters of fragrant, pea-like, rose-pink flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies in late spring and early summer. The flowers are occasionally followed by bristly, reddish-brown seed pods. Native to the southeastern United States, this aggressive shrub spreads by suckers and is considered invasive in Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All parts of this plant are at least mildly poisonous.
CareProvide full sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 11. Will tolerate poor, dry soils. Protect from damaging winds. Prune wayward and crossing stems in late summer or early fall.
Propagation Sow seed in fall or root hardwood cuttings in spring.
Problems Borers, scale insects, leafminers, cankers, powdery mildew, and Verticillium wilt can be problems.
- Genus : Robinia
- Zones : 10, 11, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
- Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
- Moisture : Adaptable
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast, Moderate
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
- Light : Full Sun
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : North American Natives
- Flower Color : Pink
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Uses : Sun
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
