Caragana arborescens Walker - Siberian Pea Tree

Caragana arborescens 'Walker' is one of the most beautiful weeping forms of the Siberian pea tree. This deciduous shrub, grafted on a trunk, is distinguished from the wild yellow acacia by its narrow crown, composed of flexible branches adorned with delicate foliage that cascades to the ground. Its yellow spring flowering is also more abundant than that of the wild Siberian pea. It is a variety suitable for small gardens and container gardening, to be placed in a prominent position.

Caragana arborescens 'Walker' belongs to the Fabaceae family (Leguminosae), it is a horticultural selection with a trailing habit grafted on a straight trunk. The typical form originates from Siberia and Mongolia, where it is often planted as a hedge to protect orchards from wind and unwanted visitors. Hardy well below -20°C, this plant accepts a wide range of soils, slightly acidic to very chalky, even poor ones, but is not tolerant of waterlogged soil. Its very deep root system allows it to withstand drought once the shrub is well established.

The 'Walker' Siberian pea tree is a deciduous shrub of moderate growth, reaching 3 to 5 m in height depending on the grafting height, with a spread of 1.50 m to 2.50 m. Its crown is composed of fine, flexible and trailing branches. Its deciduous, light and very pale green foliage consists of 15 cm leaves divided into 5 to 7 pairs of small hairy leaflets, narrower than those of the species. They turn yellow in autumn before falling. Flowering takes place from April to May. Small clusters of elongated light yellow pea-like flowers bloom among the foliage, on the previous year's wood. This nectar-rich flowering is followed by the formation of a few rare 5 cm long pods that sometimes contain a few seeds. In the Caragana genus, the young pods, as well as the peas and flowers, are edible.

Caragana arborescens 'Walker' will be an elegant and unusual specimen for a small urban garden, whether contemporary or French-style. It is an ornamental and robust shrub, as it does not mind cold, drought, or pollution. It can also be planted in a container where regular watering will be necessary. In a dedicated bed, you can plant variegated periwinkle Vinca major 'Variegata' or salvias, especially shrubby salvias with blue flowers ('Blue Note', 'Delice Aquamarine'), or ground cover Salvia forreri in a mild climate garden.