How to Grow Staphylea

Staphylea are deciduous shrubs and trees with a mass of clustered, dangling, bell-shaped blooms that arch off thick, dark stems and large glossy green foliage. These stunning flowers blossom during spring, changing to bladder-like white fruits. Some varieties even release intense citrus scents, perfect for the time of year. They are best suited to flower beds and borders within a cottage and informal garden setting. You can expect to see Staphylea grow to an approximate height and spread of 3m (10’).

Staphylea are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of sand, clay, chalk and loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Ensure you choose an appropriate site that will allow for Staphylea to grow to its fullest form without causing obstruction to companion plants or public access. Once planted, ensure it is watered thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil in place and to encourage a well-developed root system. It is recommended that you place Staphylea in a position of full sun or part shade.

Staphylea may require light pruning after flowering to restrict their overall size. If you wish to leave the flowers in place, watch as intriguing groups of seed pods start to emerge. It has a thicket-forming habit which creates suckers – these should be removed immediately when spotted as it will drain energy and resources from your shrub. When the soil is dry to the touch you should water Staphylea, whilst ensuring a regular schedule is maintained throughout the flowering period.

It is possible to propagate Staphylea by seed sown in containers during autumn or alternatively by softwood cuttings in early summer.