Virgilia (Cladrastis kentukea) is a tree that can grow 8m – 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Virgilia (Cladrastis kentukea).
This plant has several common names including: virgilia, yellowwood, yellow-wood, Kentucky yellow-wood or yellow ash.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: virgilia, yellowwood, yellow-wood, Kentucky yellow-wood, yellow ash
Scientific name: Cladrastis kentukea
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Architectural
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Virgilia (Cladrastis kentukea) – Chhe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Virgilia (Cladrastis kentukea), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Virgilia (Cladrastis kentukea) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Cladrastis kentukea likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Virgilia (Cladrastis kentukea) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Virgilia (Cladrastis kentukea) – Plant Image Library from Boston, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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