xLaburnocytisus adamii Adam’s laburnum

At first glance, Adam's laburnum looks like an ordinary laburnum – an upright shrub or small tree with an open crown and smooth grey-green bark. But a closer look at the branches reveals that something is amiss. Some shoots bear the typical trifoliate leaves of laburnum, others have the smaller, oval leaflets of broom, and then there are those that seem like a compromise between the two – leaves with vaguely defined margins, slightly asymmetrical, as if the plant were unsure which genus it belongs to and crying out, “Help! I don’t know who I am!” 😊 This visual confusion, however, is only a prelude to what happens in the flowering season.

In bloom, usually from late May to June, this chimaera turns into a botanical palette. On a single plant, clusters of flowers appear in three colours: bright yellow (typical of laburnum), deep purple (characteristic of broom), and an unusual coppery pink found nowhere else – these flowers arise in the graft zone where the genetic layers of both parents overlap. The shape of the flowers also varies: some are classically papilionaceous, others smaller and more compact, as if the plant were trying to express both identities at once. Flowers often appear on different branches depending on which cell layer dominates – and sometimes even on the same branch in mixed combinations.

Growth is generally slower than in laburnum, with lower vigour and smaller annual increments. The habit tends to be irregular, often with asymmetric branching, which only emphasises its hybrid origin. Height usually does not exceed 3–4 metres, width is less but depends on conditions and training. As a vegetative chimaera, it cannot be propagated by seed – only by cuttings or renewed grafting, which limits its availability and makes it a collector’s rarity. In the garden, place it as a specimen in a prominent position where its unusual appearance and variable flowers can be admired. Thanks to its irregular habit, it suits naturalistic compositions where it will not look out of place but rather as an exotic curiosity, complemented by deciduous shrubs or small trees with contrasting foliage, such as black elder ‘Black Lace’ or willow ‘Golden Sunshine’.

This chimaera is not demanding on soil but thrives best in light, well-drained substrates with neutral to slightly alkaline reaction. It requires a sunny site – in shade it suffers from poor flowering and increased susceptibility to disease. Watering should be moderate; it dislikes permanently waterlogged soils. Fertilisation is unnecessary. Pruning is not required, but after flowering you may lightly trim for rejuvenation – because it is a chimaera, it is more sensitive to mechanical damage at the graft union, so heavy shaping cuts are not recommended. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Its frost hardiness is comparable to laburnum, at least down to –30 °C (USDA zone 5), and it does not require any winter protection.

Last update 27-10-2025