Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cordia sebestena (Geiger Tree)

Scarlet Cordia, 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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Plant Type Trees
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 30' (3m – 9m)
Spread 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Coastal Garden

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Gongsin.b, Shutterstock, 阿橋 HQ, Ventilago, Olive Titus, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Plant Type Trees
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 30' (3m – 9m)
Spread 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Coastal Garden

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