Staphylea colchica – Bladdernut –

Description

Staphylea – Bladdernut – There are about 11 deciduous shrubs or small trees in this genus. They are found naturally occurring in woodlands and thickets in the Northern temperate regions. They are grown for their spring borne, bell or cup shaped, white, cream, or pink flowers, borne in terminal cluster, and for their curious bladder-like, 2 or 3 lobed   inflated seed pods. The opposite leaves are pinnate or trifoliate with long leaflets which have serrated edges and taper to point and develop warm autumn tone in autumn. Suitable for a shrub border or woodland garden. Grow in any moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Flowering is best following a long hot summer. Prone to twig blight and leaf spots. S. olchica – This upright shrub from the Caucasus grows 10-15′ tall and 10′ feet wide. From thick shoots it carries pinnate, glossy, mid green leaves, each with 3-5 glossy, ovate- oblong, serrated leaflets, up to 3 ½” long. In late spring to early summer, bears bell shaped, fragrant white flowers, ½” to 3/4″ across, in panicles to 5″ long.   Flowers are followed by greenish white 3 lobed seed pods, to 4″ long. Zones 6-9