If you decide to start growing a Kentucky coffeetree in your garden, it will definitely make a one-of-a-kind statement. The tall tree offers large leaves with unusual coloration and large, woody, decorative pods. That said, if you want to plant Kentucky coffeetree in landscapes around your home, you’ll need to know something about the tree and its care. Read on for Kentucky coffeetree information.
Kentucky Coffeetree Information
The Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a unique deciduous tree, as you won’t find this combination of features on any other plant. It is because of this; you’ll make a statement if you plant Kentucky coffeetree in landscapes near your home. The new foliage of this tree grows in pinky-bronze in springtime, but the leaf tops turn blue-green as they mature. They blaze yellow in autumn, making a nice contrast with the dark seed pods. Leaves are large and beautiful, composed of numerous smaller leaflets. The foliage offers airy shade beneath the tree’s picturesque branches. They are coarse and contorted, heading upward to form a narrow crown. Since no two of these trees are shaped exactly alike, growing Kentucky coffeetree in landscapes will create a very different look than you get with more common trees. Growing a Kentucky coffeetree is easy in appropriate climates.
Growing a Kentucky Coffeetree
If you are wondering how to grow Kentucky coffeetrees, you’ll want to know that they thrive in cooler areas. They grow best in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. You’ll do best growing this tree in a full sun site but be sure you have enough room. Your mature tree can reach a height of 60 to75 feet (18-23 m.) and a spread of 40 to 50 feet (12-15 m.). Another important part of growing a Kentucky coffeetree is selecting the right soil. However, the tree is adaptable to a wide range of soils, including dry, compacted, or alkaline soil. That aside, Kentucky coffeetree care will be easier if you plant the tree in organically rich, moist soil with good drainage.
Kentucky Coffeetree Care
This tree has few pest or insect issues. The main aspect of its care includes a light pruning during dormancy. You’ll also have to invest some time cleaning up this tree’s litter. The large seed pods drop in spring and the large leaves fall in autumn.
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