It is also aptly known as tree-in-a-hurry, acknowledging the fact it is extremely fast growing when young, upwards of 1.3m a year.
Unfortunately, due to this fast growth rate they are often brittle and have a tendency to split or fall over after about 15 years. Nonetheless, tree-in-a-hurry is still a worthy garden plant giving 12 to 15 years of pleasure and presence in the garden as it reaches a height of up to 15m.
V. oroboides features fern-like pinnate foliage that creates a lovely backdrop for its impressive mauve-pink flower display.
Blooming from mid-spring into early summer, its mass of sweetly scented, pea-shaped flowers is followed by dark, leathery seed pods, similar in shape to pea pods - features that highlight its relationship to the pea family, Fabaceae.
Tree-in-a-hurry grows well in full sun to part shade, but does require protection from the elements during its early establishment stages. Fortunately, as they grow so quickly, they don’t take long to outgrow this phase.
They are susceptible to phytophthora - a soil borne fungi-like organism that can kill them very quickly.
To grow a healthy specimen the roots need to develop properly, a well-draining, light soil is best which will help promote strong root development leading to a longer lasting tree.
A good mature specimen can be seen flowering now in the South Africa plant collection in the upper garden.
Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden. For further information contact Zane Gray.
