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Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree)
1 hour care
per year
per year
25m
Max height
Max height
18m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 Years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Spathodea campanulata
Other names
African tulip tree, Flame of the forest, Flame tree, Fountain tree, Nandi flame
Genus
Spathodea Spathodea
Species
S. campanulata - S. campanulata is a tender, open, evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into oblong to ovate, leathery, dark green leaflets and, in spring and summer, panicles or racemes of bell-shaped, scarlet flowers with yellow petal margins. Flowers are followed by woody, orange-brown seed pods containing papery, winged seeds.
Spathodea campanulata is: Evergreen
Habit
Open branches
Flower
Scarlet in Spring; Scarlet in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Limbs are brittle so may need pruning after strong storms.
Propagation
Sow seed at 18-24C in spring. Air layer in spring.
Propagation methods
Layering, Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree) will reach a height of 25m and a spread of 18m after 20-50 Years.
Suggested uses
Specimen tree, City, Architectural, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moderately-fertile, moist or moist well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Tolerates light shade but flowering will be reduced. May lose leaves in dry periods or after light frost. Under glass, grow in a large container in loam-based compost in full light, Water freely & feed monthly in growth. Considered an invasive species in some non-native, tropical areas.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Spathodea campanulata
Other names
African tulip tree, Flame of the forest, Flame tree, Fountain tree, Nandi flame
Genus
Spathodea Spathodea
Species
S. campanulata - S. campanulata is a tender, open, evergreen tree with pinnate leaves divided into oblong to ovate, leathery, dark green leaflets and, in spring and summer, panicles or racemes of bell-shaped, scarlet flowers with yellow petal margins. Flowers are followed by woody, orange-brown seed pods containing papery, winged seeds.
Native to
Tropical Africa
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Open branches
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Colour
Flower
Scarlet in Spring; Scarlet in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Limbs are brittle so may need pruning after strong storms.
Propagation
Sow seed at 18-24C in spring. Air layer in spring.
Propagation methods
Layering, Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree) will reach a height of 25m and a spread of 18m after 20-50 Years.
Suggested uses
Specimen tree, City, Architectural, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moderately-fertile, moist or moist well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Tolerates light shade but flowering will be reduced. May lose leaves in dry periods or after light frost. Under glass, grow in a large container in loam-based compost in full light, Water freely & feed monthly in growth. Considered an invasive species in some non-native, tropical areas.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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