I just saw a picture of the amazing blooms from this tree as the lead picture on today's DG newsletter. I know it is a tropical and can get huge. I wonder if anyone has experience growing it in pots, overwintering in garage, house or greenhouse?
Peter
Spathodea campanulata
I tried growing it in a 15 gallon container. It didn't like zone 9b (San Jose, CA) weather. It made it through 3 winters, but didn't survive the 4th. It never bloomed. I don't know how old has to be to bloom. While freezing temperatures last only hours, it can remain cold for months. I think that's what killed it.
BettyDee
hiya pdkrones,
As a native of San Diego county, I grew up with Spathodeas, reds, oranges, and the amazing yellow ones. They do get big, but are fabulous in pots. They will require root trimming every spring after you take it out of the greenhouse. Your heat and humidity will thrill those plants. It's a fairly pest free tree except for aphids and their ant shepherders. They don't eat much and actually bloom better if kept a little on the hungry side. Protect them from high winds and for sure against cold. No other problems and the seed is easy to germinate.
Best of luck with African Tulip Trees.
Thank you doc! I will go hunt some seeds. Especially the yellow!
Best wishes from the sultry south.
Peter