Golden Shower Tree

Long, cascading clusters of bright yellow flowers drape the golden shower tree in one of the great floral displays of the tropics. Frost-free gardens can use it as a dramatic specimen, shade, or street tree, while gardeners elsewhere can grow it in large containers. Once established, this fast grower handles heat and dry spells well. After flowering, long dark pods hang from the branches for unusual seasonal interest. The seed coat is very hard, so nick each seed with a file or clippers and soak it before sowing.