Spathodea

African Tulip Tree

Excellent banner Cal!

We planted this tree ~12 yrs ago as a 5 gal.
It took several years to bloom, but was
worth the wait.



Just a happy accident that the podranea grew around it.

all my friends!
It's very gratifying to know you enjoy the images.
Please let me know if you're ever in San Diego.
You're always welcome at our home.

Growing info
https://www.gardeningknowhow.c...

I guessed some kind of azalea or rhododendron, but was happy to be proved wrong, since you've introduced me to another new plant.

You always have such interesting plants.

EscondidoCal said:Spathodea

African Tulip Tree

Interesting that the picture above is reversed on the banner!

I think the mod does that if they think it looks better reversed.
No problem.
At least they don't turn it upside down.

BTW, according to the article (see link above) ...

African tulip tree tends to be invasive in tropical climates, such as Hawaii and southern Florida, where it forms dense thickets....

Can you imagine?!
Does anyone from Florida or Hawaii have pics? They must be spectacular.

What an unusual flower! Thanks for the additional pictures, Cal. Looks like the podranea and the tuliptree are competing for attention---both are bright, colorful, big flowers that shout, "Look at me!!"

I love how vines grow into, around & over everyone else. E.g. clematis & roses.
When I planted the podranea jn back of a garden bench, it was just 2x2 ft, and took a couple years to get my
attention. I didn't know its growth habit, but was happily surprised to see
it growing "everywhichwaybutloose".

It might even make it in Nebraska with some winter protection.
Want one?

I did a little searching--it might possibly survive my conditions some years if I heavily mulched it each fall. But I think some winters would just get too cold, even with mulch. However, it looks like it can be grown as an annual from seed---don't know how long it would take to flower. Do you get seeds on yours, Cal?

I've never seen it put out seeds, though it must. It easily layers
to form new plants. Best would be to put it in a good sized pot,
e.g. 5 gal.

I think you could keep it trimmed & it would bloom within a year.
You could also run it up a trellis. Then put it in the garage over
winter.

Wanna try?

Thank you for the offer! I'll think about it. I doubt my garage would be warm enough to keep the soil in the pot from freezing---it would have to go in the basement. Not sure I want to lug around 5 gallons of soil every spring and fall. We are hitting freezing temps now, so maybe next spring would be the best time to start it. Would you send a piece of rooted stem?

re: lugging 5 gal.....I totally agree.
I use a hand truck, but would be difficult to go up & down the stairs.

I can send you a rooted cutting in the spring. It should probably grow well enough so you can cut
it way back before it gets too cold, and cover it with a large trash bag
until time to wake up. Worth a try.