Cordia sebestena (Geiger Tree)

Cordia sebestena (Geiger Tree) is an upright, irregular branched small tree with a dense, rounded canopy and showy flowers. The alternate, heart-shaped leaves, 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), are green and coarse above, paler green and hairy underneath. Blooming year-round, with a peak in summer, bright orange, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), emerge in showy open clusters at the branch tips. They are followed by egg-shaped, white fruits, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm). Typically crooked, the trunk is dark gray or brown, and deeply furrowed. Native to the West Indies and northern South America, authors differ on whether Geiger Tree is native to Florida. Geiger Tree makes an excellent landscape plant and is widely cultivated in parts of Florida that are not prone to the slightest freezes. A most colorful flowering tree, it can be used as a freestanding specimen and is useful along streets. Geiger Tree is salt and brackish-water tolerant, making it ideal for use in coastal landscapes. It is recommended for seaside plantings.

• Grows up to 10-30 ft. tall (3-9 m) and 10-15 ft. wide (3-4.5 m).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in clay to sandy, well-drained soils. Tolerant of wind, salt, drought, alkaline soils, nutrient poor soils.
• No serious disease issues. Keep an eye out for mites, scales, caterpillars and geiger beetles.
• Pruning needed for a strong structure. Fruit/leaves may create a litter issue.
• Propagate by seeds or layering.
• Native to the West Indies and northern South America.