Water
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogged roots. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, especially in container-grown plants. Overwatering is a common issue.
Also known as Chinese Flame Tree · Flamegold Tree · Golden Rain Tree
Flamegold (Koelreuteria elegans) is a beautiful ornamental tree featuring vibrant yellow flowers followed by striking red-orange lantern-like seed pods.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water when topsoil is dry, reduce in winter, ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperate climates, tolerating moderate heat and light frosts.
Low
25% intensity
Annual feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogged roots. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, especially in container-grown plants. Overwatering is a common issue.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can shape the tree and encourage flowering.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering and fruit production.
Best propagated from seeds sown in autumn or early spring, or by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds may require stratification to break dormancy.
Cuttings should be rooted in a well-draining medium with bottom heat.
Repot young trees every 2-3 years in spring as they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. For mature trees, repotting is rarely necessary and can be stressful.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Flamegold (Koelreuteria elegans)
Where Flamegold (Koelreuteria elegans) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Koelreuteria |
| Species | Koelreuteria elegans |
Similar in genus Koelreuteria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data