Its common name refers to the decorative seed capsules that look like small lanterns.
A small tree with three seasons of interest — yellow midsummer blossom, rosy lanterns in autumn, a tidy umbrella crown — the golden rain tree tolerates pollution, heat and poor soils: a safe choice for streets, car parks and urban courtyards.
It is one of the very few trees to flower in July and August, when almost nothing else blooms: a late-season godsend for city bees. In China it was planted on the tombs of scholars.
Browse the full catalogue: over 70 ornamental tree species ready for transplanting.