Koelreuteria paniculata Rose Lantern

Rose Lantern Golden Rain tree

Koelreuteria paniculata ‘Rose Lantern’ (Golden Rain Tree)

A deciduous ornamental tree selected for its especially showy rose-pink, lantern-like seed pods, Koelreuteria paniculata ‘Rose Lantern’ produces bright yellow flower panicles in early to mid-summer followed by inflated seed capsules that mature to a rich pink to rose color, extending seasonal interest well beyond bloom. The compound foliage emerges with a bronze tint, matures to green, and may turn yellow in fall. Its rounded, somewhat irregular canopy and strong tolerance to heat, drought, and urban conditions make it a dependable landscape tree.

Type: Deciduous tree
Mature Size: 25–35′ W × 25–35′ H
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Rounded to irregular, spreading canopy

Light: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable; tolerates poor, dry, and alkaline soils
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Bloom Length: Moderate; typically 2–3 weeks

Wildlife: Bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Specimen tree, street tree, patios, urban plantings, drought-tolerant landscapes, ornamental seed pods

Care:
Prune when young to establish strong structure. Tolerates heat, drought, and air pollution. May self-seed lightly—remove seedlings if needed. Best performance in well-drained soils.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

25-35'

Width

25-35'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Mid Summer

Flower color

Salmon, Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Dry Area, Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen, Street Tree

Shape

irregular, Open Canopy, Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes