Japanese name: ロビニア マルガレッタ Scientific name:Robinia ×margaretta
[Overview]
A deciduous shrub to small tree.
The leaves are alternate and odd-pinnately compound, the leaflets are entire, and the stipules have become spines.
A pseudoraceme hangs down from the leaf axil and bears dense pink pea-shaped flowers.
[History]
It is a hybrid between Hana-enju (R. hispida) and Hari-enju (R. pseudoacacia).
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by grafting, or by root cuttings.
As long as the site is sunny, it is not particular about soil.
It prefers a somewhat dry site, but it is adaptable.
If the environment suits it, it grows well even when left alone once it has taken root.
The roots are shallow, so large trees may be blown over by strong winds or have their trunks break.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilizer is not particularly needed, since it can synthesize nitrogen through root nodule bacteria.
Pests and diseases include canker, anthracnose, powdery mildew, brown spot, fall webworm, aphids and teppo-mushi (longhorn beetle larvae).
