False Acacia 'Casque Rouge'

'Casque Rouge' is a stunning cultivar of the False Acacia, prized for its vibrant floral display. In early summer, it produces spectacular, pendulous racemes of fragrant, pea-like flowers that are a rich rose-pink to lilac-purple—a striking contrast to the more common white-flowered species. The foliage is equally attractive, consisting of large, pinnate leaves with rounded leaflets that emerge a coppery-pink before turning a lush dark green. In autumn, the leaves turn a soft yellow. This medium-sized tree has a somewhat open, spreading habit. It is a tough and resilient tree, tolerant of urban pollution and poor soils, though it performs best in a sunny, sheltered spot to protect the brittle branches from wind damage. Like many Robinias, it can produce some thorns on younger wood. It is an excellent choice for a specimen tree where its exotic-looking flowers can be the star of the early summer garden.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor to fertile soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jun.