Flamboyant
Delonix regia
Also listed as Poinciana regia, Caesalpinia regia
Also known as Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant Tree, Poinciana
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical deciduous tree prized for its brilliant scarlet-orange flowers that cover the canopy in late spring. Fast-growing with a wide-spreading habit, it creates striking shade and requires minimal water once established.
Why grow it
Delonix regia outperforms many tropical shade trees in flower intensity and speed of establishment, typically flowering within 3-5 years from a young tree. Unlike some equally showy species, it tolerates poor soils and irregular water once mature, making it practical for permaculture systems in frost-free regions. Its wide canopy provides substantial filtered shade suitable for understory plantings, though gardeners should compare its deciduous habit against evergreen alternatives if year-round coverage is needed.
Watch out for
This tree can develop a shallow root system that may compete aggressively with nearby plantings or damage shallow utilities; placement matters considerably. Young trees benefit from consistent watering and staking in windy sites, as fast growth can produce structurally weak branching if not managed early. In very warm climates, it may self-seed prolifically in disturbed areas, requiring monitoring if you wish to contain its spread.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Madagascar
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tropical deciduous tree prized for its brilliant scarlet-orange flowers that cover the canopy in late spring. Fast-growing with a wide-spreading habit, it creates striking shade and requires minimal water once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Flamboyant grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Delonix regia outperforms many tropical shade trees in flower intensity and speed of establishment, typically flowering within 3-5 years from a young tree. Unlike some equally showy species, it tolerates poor soils and irregular water once mature, making it practical for permaculture systems in frost-free regions. Its wide canopy provides substantial filtered shade suitable for understory plantings, though gardeners should compare its deciduous habit against evergreen alternatives if year-round coverage is needed.
Watch out for
This tree can develop a shallow root system that may compete aggressively with nearby plantings or damage shallow utilities; placement matters considerably. Young trees benefit from consistent watering and staking in windy sites, as fast growth can produce structurally weak branching if not managed early. In very warm climates, it may self-seed prolifically in disturbed areas, requiring monitoring if you wish to contain its spread.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Madagascar
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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