my friend saw a royal poinciana (w/ seed pods) in san carlos that was shorter than him! hence, the reason behind this idea. he thinks that we can bonsai them and still get them to flower. there are no specifics at this time. for right now the plan would be to just get some good growth and at some point we might deadhead them. the nice thing about the bonsai is that the plant could be rolled into the garage or under the patio on nights when a hard freeze is in the forecast.

here's a time of my plant's history.

6/09 - royal p. germinated at end of june

1/10 - royal p. less than 12" tall and about a thick as a pencil; planted in 1-gal container

8/5/10 - royal p. is 18" tall; transplanted from 5-gal to 10-gal container; trimmed lower secondary branch

8/29/10 - royal p. is 25" tall


12/12/10 - royal p. is 42" tall


i will be starting some seeds. would any one be interested in this fun project?

I'd love to participate ... only in a container, however....
If I take out my popcorn acacia I'd have room for an RP in the ground. I lost the RP Barb gave me in the BF in '06-07. It's a sunny, heat emanating space.... but, wasn't enough to sustain a young RP. Whatever you think Dete. I'll willing to try.

hey susie,

the goal of this project would be to create a blooming specimen that is grown in a container. that way it can be moved to a garage, inside or under a covered patio on the coldest nights. gotcha down for one! i'll keep you posted.

I absolutely LOVE this idea... keep us posted and let us know how it goes... I have a feeling if it works you can sucker Fishie into doing this

oh, she is already on board B.

Woot!!!

Thanks Dete. Anything I can do to help the cause. I love this tree!!