How to Grow Robinia

Robinias are popular deciduous shade trees. Some varieties are grafted and grown into a lollipop shape (called 'Mop Top' robinias), have bright yellow foliage during the warmer months or white or purple flowers. Growing from 2 – 12 m tall depending on the variety robinias make an attractive backyard or street tree or smaller varieties can be grown in a container.

Full sun to part shade in tropical areas

Regular watering

Well drained once established

Suitable for most climates

How to grow robinia in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is heavy or clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.

Step 4

Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 5

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 6

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions while the new tree establishes.

Step 7

Feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to mid autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

How to grow robinia in a pot

Step 1

Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot at least 600mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.

Step 2

Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 5

Feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to mid autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Growing tips

Prune trees to shape and size.
Some robinias are grafted onto rootstock that produces suckers. To try and minimise suckering, avoid digging in the root zone and if suckers appear cut them off below ground level.