The rose acacia is an extraordinary flowering shrub with its bright pink flower clusters. Information on location and care can be found here.
Rose Acacia (Robinia hispida), what an auspicious name. Immediately thoughts of roses awaken and of strong bright pink and outstandingly fragrant flowers. Otherwise, this ornamental tree has nothing in common with the queen of flowers. And the term acacia? This is only half true, only the appearance of the shrub is similar to the acacia. Actually, the attractive ornamental plant should be called "Rose Robinia". After all, the common robinia has been the inspiration for numerous new breeds. The rose acacia is one of the newest hybrids.
Portrait of the rose acacia
The Robinia hispida or rose acacia is a magnificent pink to red-purple flowering robinia. Because of the red bristles on the orange-brown shoots, the ornamental tree is also called bristly robinia or bristle robinia. The butterfly blossoms unfold their brilliant colors after the lilac blossom from May to June on thick flower clusters. After flowering, showy feathery foliage adorns the shrub throughout summer.
The extraordinary flowering shrub is hardy and can reach a height of between 1.5 and 3 meters.
Location and soil of the rose acacia
❍ Location:
You have decided on a rose acacia? It is best to place the ornamental shrub in a sunny location. Light penumbra is also tolerated by this plant. However, it should not be more shady, otherwise the flowering power of the rose acacia will be inhibited.
Because the branches of the Robinia hispida are very susceptible to breaking, the location should be as sheltered as possible from the wind.
❍ Bottom:
The rose acacia makes no great demands on the soil. The soil should be permeable to water. The flowering shrub likes moist but not wet soil. The soil may also be low in nutrients and slightly calcareous.
How to properly care for the rose acacia
Casting:
Water the new planting moderately but regularly for the first two to three years. Since the rose acacia only grows about 20 centimeters a year, the root area is in theShade only a little in the first few years and the moisture in the soil tends to evaporate. Later, watering is only used during longer dry periods. However, make sure that there is no waterlogging.
Fertilize:
The rose acacia makes few or no demands on a nutrient supply. You can give the flowering shrub some compost and gently work it into the root area. The compost activates the microorganisms in the soil and protects the soil from compacting.
Pruning:
Robinia hispida is only pruned in summer or autumn and thinned out normally. Specifically, this means that dry or dead wood is removed. Leave the pruning shears in the spring. Then the sap rises in the wood and the flowering shrub tends to bleed when cut.
Summary:
The rose acacia comes from the robinia and not from the plant genus Acacia, as might be expected. The hardy flowering shrub prefers a sunny and wind-protected location with permeable, nutrient-poor soil. The ornamental tree is only watered moderately. A nutrient supply is not necessary. The rose acacia is only cut in summer or autumn. Spring pruning will damage the shrub.