Overview
Colutea x media is a flowering plant of the family Fabaceae, also known as the pea family. It is a hybrid of Colutea arborescens and Colutea orientalis. The cultivar is commonly referred to as "Copper Beauty" for the bright orange flowers that bloom in early summer.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 6-8 feet tall with a spread of about 4-6 feet. It is a deciduous shrub with an upright habit and arching branches. The leaves are pinnate with small, oval leaflets that are green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The showy orange flowers are borne in racemes that are about 3-5 inches long. The plant also has unique inflated seed pods that turn brown when mature.
Origin and Distribution
Colutea x media is believed to have originated in Europe and western Asia. It is a commonly cultivated garden plant in temperate regions around the world, including North America and Australia.
Uses
Colutea x media has several uses, including as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used in landscaping as a border shrub or as a screen. In addition, the plant has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The seeds and leaves are rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which are believed to have medicinal properties. However, it is important to note that the plant should be used with caution as it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Light Requirements
The Colutea x media plant grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in leggy growth and decreased flowering. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a spot that receives at least several hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The Colutea x media plant is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, which means it can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 degrees Celsius). However, it does best in moderate temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 24 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements
The Colutea x media plant prefers a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients. Adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can aid in soil fertility and drainage, which is beneficial for the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Colutea x media, commonly known as bladder senna, is a deciduous shrub that is hardy in USDA zones four to nine. The plant requires full sunlight and can tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils to prevent waterlogging.
It's best to plant Colutea x media in spring or fall, giving the roots enough time to establish before the hot or cold seasons. When planting, ensure the hole is twice the size of the root-ball to allow easy rooting.
Watering
Colutea x media is drought-tolerant and will only require watering in the first year after transplanting. At this stage, the plant requires watering once or twice a week to ensure that the roots fully establish.
After one year, the bladder senna is tolerant of dry conditions, and it's best to let the soil dry out to approximately an inch below the surface before watering. This helps to avoid overwatering and root rot, which can be fatal to the Colutea x media plant.
Fertilization
Bladder senna is not a heavy feeder and rarely requires fertilization. In most cases, one or two applications of an all-purpose fertilizer in the growing season are enough to provide the required nutrients to the plant.
When applying fertilizer, ensure it's evenly distributed around the plant borders and avoid direct contact with the roots or foliage to prevent burning.
Pruning
Colutea x media has a naturally spherical habit and requires minimal pruning. However, pruning can be done to promote bushiness, to remove dead and diseased wood, and to control size.
Pruning should be done when the plant is dormant, in late fall or early spring, before the onset of new growth. When cutting, use sharp, sterilized tools to avoid tearing the branches and causing damage to the plant.
Ensure that any cuts made are angled to encourage healing and prevent water pooling in the wound.
Propagation of Colutea x media
Colutea x media, commonly known as the Bladder Senna or the French Broom, can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, softwood cuttings, and hardwood cuttings.
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Colutea x media is through seeds. The seeds should be collected after they have ripened and have separated from their pods. After the collection, the seeds should be sowed in the soil fertilized with organic compost.
It is recommended to sow the seeds in late autumn or early spring, and they should be buried at a depth of 2-3 cm in the soil. The soil should also be kept moist during the germination period, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer also root easily. The shoots should be cut from the parent plant and dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting them in a soil mixture of peat and sand. The soil mixture should be kept moist all the time, and the cuttings should be kept in a semi-shaded area until they have rooted, which usually takes about 3-4 weeks.
Hardwood cuttings
Hardwood cuttings, taken in late winter or early spring, can also be used to propagate Colutea x media. The cuttings should be taken from the lower parts of the parent plant and should be about 15-20 cm long. The cuttings should then be stuck into a mixture of sand and peat at a depth of about 5 cm.
The cuttings should be kept in a cool and shaded area and watered regularly until they have rooted, which usually takes about 3-4 weeks. Once they have rooted, the seedlings can be transferred to their permanent location in the garden or container.
Disease Management
Colutea x media plants can suffer from various diseases, particularly those related to fungal infections. One common fungal disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew. It manifests as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune affected areas and remove them from the plant. Ensure that the plant is well-ventilated and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of spores. Additionally, applying a fungicide may also help in managing this disease.
Another fungal disease that can affect Colutea x media is anthracnose. This disease causes brown spots on the leaves and stem of the plant. The affected plant parts should be pruned and removed from the plant to prevent the disease from spreading. A fungicide may also be applied to control anthracnose.
Pest Management
Colutea x media can also be attacked by various pests. One of the most common pests that affect this plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny and usually feed on the underside of the leaves. An infested plant will show signs of discolored leaves and webs under the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to remove the affected leaves and stems from the plant. A strong blast of water can help dislodge the mites from the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be sprayed on the plant to manage the pests.
Aphids are another pest that commonly affects Colutea x media. These insects suck sap from the plant and cause yellowed leaves and distorted growth. To manage aphids, the affected plant parts should be pruned and removed. A strong blast of water may also help remove the pests. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to manage severe aphid infestations.
