The foliage is one of false acacia’s greatest charms, especially in golden selections like ‘Frisia’. Each leaf is made up of many small leaflets that catch the light differently as they move, so the whole canopy seems to shimmer and change with every breeze. In spring the new leaves emerge fresh and bright; through summer they stay cheerful without ever feeling harsh; then in autumn they shift through softer yellows and oranges before falling. On a sunny day, the effect is almost like having the garden lit from within.
Common name: False Acacia (also known as black locust or locust tree.
Latin name: Robinia
Size in UK gardens: The plain species can eventually reach 20–25m, so it’s really a big tree, but most garden selections are medium‑sized, often around 6–12m tall and 3–6m wide after 20 years, depending on soil and cultivar.
Best position: Full sun in a reasonably open but not gale‑swept spot; golden types like ‘Frisia’ colour best in strong light but the rather brittle branches are happier out of the fiercest winds.
Soil: Moist but well‑drained, fertile soil is ideal, yet Robinia will tolerate quite poor, dry or chalky ground as long as it isn’t compacted and waterlogged; they’re often used where other trees struggle.
Main interest: Airy, pinnate leaves (often bright golden on ‘Frisia’), racemes of white or pink pea‑flowers in late spring on some cultivars, decorative pods and a light, dappled canopy that casts gentle shade.
Fragrance: Many forms bear sweetly scented white or pink flowers that bees adore, though ‘Frisia’ in particular seldom flowers freely in UK gardens and is mostly grown for its glowing foliage.
Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK, shrugging off ordinary winter cold and happy in town conditions as well as more rural gardens.
Care level: Moderate – once established they’re tough about soil and pollution, but golden ‘Frisia’ in particular has become prone to a serious dieback problem, branches can be brittle in wind, and many forms sucker from the base.
The Simpson’s team raises the majority of our trees here at the nursery. For varieties outside our own production, we work with independent local growers we trust - all chosen for UK climate suitability.
Planting time: As container‑grown trees, false acacias can be planted in most months when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged, with spring and early autumn usually giving the gentlest conditions for new roots.
Watering: Water regularly through the first two or three seasons, especially in dry spells, so moisture reaches deep around the rootball. Once established in decent soil, most Robinia cope well with ordinary summer drought, needing only occasional deep drinks in prolonged dry weather.
Feeding: On normal garden soils, an annual spring mulch of compost or well‑rotted manure around (but not touching) the base is usually all that’s required. On very poor, sandy or urban rubble sites, a modest scattering of a balanced slow‑release fertiliser in spring can help young trees get away.
Pruning: Prune lightly in mid to late summer, taking out dead, damaged, crossing or badly placed branches and any suckers at the base. Avoid heavy winter pruning, which can lead to sap bleeding and open the way for disease; major work on large trees is best left to a qualified arborist.
Winter: Fully hardy once established, so no wrapping is needed for trees in the ground. A mulch over the root area on light soils is helpful, and in very exposed gardens it’s sensible to keep an eye on brittle branches and have any obviously weak limbs professionally assessed.
Availability is always changing, so please check with us if you have a particular variety in mind.
A charming, shrubby robinia with rosy-pink, pea-like flower clusters that hang prettily and feel wonderfully romantic. The foliage is light and airy, giving a soft, informal look. A lovely way to bring a gentle “acacia” feel to the garden with a sweeter, cottage-garden mood.
The classic false acacia, with elegant pinnate leaves that create a light canopy and a refined silhouette. When it flowers, the hanging clusters add a graceful, almost chandelier-like effect. A good choice where you want height and presence without a dense, heavy crown.
A more composed form of false acacia with a tidy, tree-like habit and that same airy foliage. It gives a refined outline that sits well in structured planting, bringing dappled presence rather than solid shade. A smart option when you like robinia’s lightness but want a cleaner overall shape.
A standout robinia with rich rose-pink flower clusters that hang from the branches like floral tassels. The colour feels warmer and more dramatic than the white-flowered forms, while the foliage keeps everything light and elegant. A wonderful feature tree for summer colour with a refined canopy.
A golden robinia that lights up the garden with fresh yellow foliage, bringing a bright, modern look from spring onwards. The leaf texture stays delicate, so the canopy feels airy and full of movement. Excellent for contrast planting—particularly effective against dark greens and burgundy tones.
A graceful pink-flowered robinia with soft, hanging blooms that bring a gentle, romantic summer display. The foliage is light and finely textured, giving a calm, open canopy. A lovely specimen for lawns and mixed borders where you want colour that feels elegant rather than loud.
A wonderfully characterful robinia with twisted, contorted branches that make a sculptural outline—especially striking in winter. In leaf it remains light and airy, but it’s the framework that really steals the show. A great choice when you want a tree that looks like living sculpture all year.
