Robinia x slavinii 'Hillieri'

Robinia x slavinii 'Hillieri'

Common name: Hillier's Locust Tree

Description: This elegant deciduous tree is a refined and thornless alternative to the common false acacia, making it far more garden-friendly. The delicate pinnate foliage emerges in spring with attractive bronze tints before maturing to fresh soft green, creating a graceful, feathery canopy that casts dappled shade. Unlike many robinias, 'Hillieri' rarely flowers, making it purely a foliage tree valued for its elegant form and fine texture. The leaves provide subtle yellow tones in autumn before falling. The naturally rounded, spreading crown develops an attractive architectural silhouette, whilst the absence of thorns makes this cultivar safe for planting near paths and family areas. This trouble-free tree is perfect for providing light shade in smaller gardens, as a specimen tree, or for adding soft texture to mixed plantings without the vigorous suckering habit of some robinias.

Other benefits: thornless stems (safe for family gardens), delicate feathery foliage, light dappled shade, compact rounded habit, low maintenance, tolerates urban pollution and coastal conditions

Wildlife attraction: nesting birds, shelter for wildlife

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4m x 3m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best growth in full sun

Soil pH: highly adaptable; thrives in neutral to alkaline soils; tolerates poor soils

Moisture: moderate watering when young; drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C and below