non-flowering laburnum

[Shrubrose]

Hello all,

I have a laburnum tree which is about 4' in height. It was a wedding present 9 years ago and is sited in a north west facing plot. It's flowered once! That was its first spring/summer and has never done so again. Are they slow growers (I'm guessing for its age it should be taller). It's in full leaf so cant be totally unhappy? Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do to get it to flower?

All thoughts very welcome

Shrub.

[Rosefriend]

I must honestly say that I have no idea Shrubrose and I do hope that someone posts that can help.

My mother had two in her garden and they more or less took over. I love them and if I had more space I would definitely buy one.

The only thing that I can think of is water - too much or too little.

RF

[Shrubrose]

Hello rosefriend,

Thankyou for replying. I must say it gets left to it's own devices so lack of water and feeding could be the problem. The ground it's growing in could be suspect but I have two other types of tree there and a hedge which are all doing beautifully. As friends gave it to us I'd love it to do well. Shall have to try harder with it.

Shrub.

[Chuckles]

Hiya Shrub, Laburnums can grow quite big as far as I'm aware. Your problem could be lack of water and the competition with the other trees and hedge that you have planted. If you know what variety it is it would be easier to find more detail on it. There are dwarf varieties as well as the more common tree types.

Sorry can't be of more help as it's not something I've ever grown.

[Spruance]

I had a google around for this last night but pretty much drew a blank, so I've resorted to the old fashioned method tonight - gardening books (remember those! ;D).

Not much more to add save for the fact that most Laburnums can be expected to reach 20-25ft, except that is for Laburnum alpinum 'Pendulum' which is listed on this site as reaching only 2 metres, so about 6ft 6" in old money.

Otherwise it appears that Laburnums do not appreciate a waterlogged soil.

That's about as far as I can go unless any of our professional gardeners can help you further(?)

[Deleted]

I would have thought that it should have flowered by now...sometimes they will not flower until over 5 years old.

You can encourage it by applying a dressing of about a handful to the square metre of sulphate of potash in late July.

This will help to stimulate flower bud production for the following spring.

[Shrubrose]

Thanks to all. Not sure what variety it is as I dont think it came with a label. Will feed and hope for the best. If no change next year a move is on the cards I think.

Shrub.