I've only seen laburnums in photos, and have heard that they like cooler climates without extremes in temperature (Pacific NW or England?). Even then, they are said to be temperamental. I'd love to have a laburnum myself, but have steered away because of what I have read regarding their cultural requirements.

Thanks for your response. David. Have continued to read since I posted. And agree that the laburnum probably wouldn't do well here. A man in Suwanee has 6', 3/4" caliper, for $5. May buy one and let it bloom in the spring then get rid of it. Would love some strong yellow for my garden, but think a climbing rose would better serve.

Rosie in Sugar Hill

This is the problem when someone "thinks" something and tells someone else what they "think" it will do then the other person never even tries it. This is why we don't get any plants down here folks. Too much thinking, not enough planting. This isn't texas. Give it a try. For $5 you have very little to lose. If it goes well then bravo, that's just one more tree we can add to the list of stuff that grows in N. GA afterall. If it doesn't then at least we'll know for the next time someone asks about it.

OK, agreed. I just wouldn't place it somewhere where it might be missed IN CASE it declines.

I've been posting a lot of these lately to make the point that people are hot and form the conclusion that it must be a really hot climate here after only a brief while of feeling hot. As if nobody else is hot. A friend of mine in Detroit has been telling me about her mid-nineties.

Also pay particular attention to the fact that Boston has "party cloudy" counditions where Buford has "sunny" conditions. And it is still hotter there.

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I chose Boston because that always seems to be where people are when they talk about them.

And I didn't post that to be argumentative just to give some encouragement to rosiew.

Thanks guys. One further question - most sites say this requires neutral to alkaline soil. How in the world could I achieve that anytime soon. Perhaps I could plant it completely in Mr. Natural.

QQ, this cracked me up: " Too much thinking, not enough planting."Very well said. My son in law kind of scoffs when I ask him about where I might find a ............... whatever, sounds great plant. He's looking at it as an operator of a landscape company - doesn't use the unusual because of supply problems if replacement is required.

I'll report how the laburnum works here. Just have to haul myself to Suwanee in the next couple of days.

Again, thanks. Would have responded sooner but not getting notification of postings for some reason.

Rosie in Sugar Hill

Neutral soil can be achieved by adding Soft Rock Phosphate.
I had always thought lime was the best, but since have learned that Soft Rock Phosphate works best, but if you can't find it, lime will work.

The only thing I have heard about laburnums is that they can seed around like crazy. If you are mowing around it, it may not be an issue. I had one, but it kicked the bucket.

You might also get more reports in the tree forum or at D@vesgarden.com There are some reports of success in places like tex and fla but it is probable they are confusing the tree with cassia or golden Rain trees.

And if I was a landscaper I would hesitate to use unique stuff also since it's very hard to get. It doesn't stop me from planting strange stuff in my yard. Firs, spruce, quaking aspen, birches, sugar maples etc.

I agree -try the Laburnum for $5.00! What's life without taking a $5.00 risk once in awhile?
Dirr agrees that this plant does not like humid heat, but admits that he knows of one doing well in Spartanburg, SC - hotter and humider than N Atlanta. He also tried some at the Milliken plant (off I-85 in SC) where I believe he keeps track of and advises their grounds, like an arboretum. He said they were all dead except one, and it had 1 root on a banana peel...

OK now, spill the beans, Rosie, who in Suwanee has Laburnums (and I assume other exotics) for $5.00? (You should prob'ly respond only after you've bought all you want.)

The seller is Kevin Kihns, 2420 Whitehead Place Dr., Suwanee - telephone 678 562 0169. I still haven't been there. Called yesterday and hope he calls back today. This weekend or early into the week is the end of it as they are moving. The maples and zelcovas are $10. Don't know what else is still available.

Just came from Lowe's with a truckload of mulch and amendments and marked down plants. Have to figure how to empty the truck so I can go see Kevin. It is SO HOT outside now!

Rosie in Sugar Hill, appreciative of all advice and comments

Hey, while looking up zelcova I found this site: http://www.southernselections.com/myrimar.htm

I'll be the first to say Zelkovas don't do well here. Every one I see looks awful. A great example would be the ones in the parking lot at the Pikes at Suwannee.
BUT............
I don't think "heat and drought" has anything to do with it. I think it's a soil thing. Or maybe just a wind thing. Or heck, maybe it just too darn cold for them. Maybe they need an even warmer climate. Who knows.

Aha, I am late to this discussion but I have an interesting view to offer (notwithstanding that the advice of $5 not being a great expenditure) in that I HAVE GROWN LABURNUM here in Mexietta (formerly Marietta) and it did FINE. Beautiful wisteria-like chains of golden legume type flowers. Mine was in mostly sun with maybe a little afternoon shade. I left that tree when I moved but I have another one where I am now and I expect it to bloom any year now. $5 is a steal for this lovely plant. And yes, I had golden chain tree, not golden rain tree. The thought just went through my mind that I could buy all he had and mark it up and sell it but I am really not good at marketing.