Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood
Cladrastis lutea 'Perkin'S Pink'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
420 inches
Width
420 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived tree
Native To
Southeastern United States
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Cladrastis lutea, American Yellowwood, is a beautiful medium-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is prized for its smooth, gray, beech-like bark, fragrant wisteria-like flowers, and clear yellow fall color. 'Perkin's Pink' (also sold as 'Rosea') is a rare and desirable cultivar that produces stunning panicles of fragrant, soft pink flowers instead of the usual white. It shares the species' elegant form and attractive bark.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with deep, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
- Set the tree so the root flare is at ground level.
- Backfill with native soil and water well.
- Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Water regularly during the first few years to establish.
Pro Tip
Prune only when young to establish a single leader and strong branch structure, as the wood can be brittle.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best flowering.
- Prune in summer to correct structural issues when young.
- Protect the thin bark from mechanical damage.
- Be patient, as it may take several years to flower.
Don't
- Don't plant in wet or poorly drained soils.
- Don't prune in winter or spring, as it will 'bleed' sap profusely.
- Don't overwater once established.
- Don't try to move it once established due to its deep taproot.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood questions
What zones can Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood grow in?
Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood deer resistant?
Yes — Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood bloom?
Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood need full sun?
Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Perkin's Pink American Yellowwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
