The robinia or false acacia adorns many gardens in the form of a tree. The spherical locust is also much more impressive. This is a cultivated form of the deciduous tree, which, as the name suggests, has a spherical growth habit. Their growth height remains well below that of the actual robinia. This makes it ideal for small gardens. But that's not all, the spherical robinia has many other advantages. Learn more below.

The spherical robinia is a refined form of the robonia

Properties of the spherical locust

  • refined form of robinia
  • slow growth
  • low growth height (maximum 4-5 m)
  • round, spherical crown
  • feather-like, oval leaves
  • does not form flowers
  • forms dense shoots
  • blue-green leaves
  • Underside of leaf a little lighter
  • yellow, red or brown autumn colour
  • Legumes on the branches
  • Seeds are 4-10 cm in size

Care of the spherical locust

location

Plant your locust on nutrient-rich loam, sand or gravel soil. Calcareous and impermeable soils, on the other hand, are unsuitable. Also make sure that the location is sheltered from the wind so that the sensitive branches do not break off. The dwarf tree will thank you with a good growth in a place with intensive sunlight.

pruning

As a rule, you do not have to cut back a spherical locust. It is naturally slow growing. Of course, thinning out the crown is possible, since the deciduous tree also tolerates radical pruning. After severe storm damage, be sure to cut off broken branches at the grafting points. Otherwise the spherical shape will be lost in the future.

Multiply spherical locust

Propagating the spherical robinia is done by grafting, a rather complicated process that is mostly reserved for professionals and nurseries.

Diseases

The Phloespora leaf spot disease is a fungus that specifically targets the locust. You can recognize the infestation by small brown spots on the leaves. In this case, cut off all affected branches. Sometimes a radical cut is necessary for this.

Advantages and disadvantages of the spherical robinia

benefits

  • nice scent
  • hardy
  • small growth
  • attracts insects
  • easy-care

disadvantage

  • poisonous

Category:

Trees