Flambouyant, Flamboyant, Flame Tree, Flametree, Peacock Flower, Peacock-Flower, Poinciana, Royal Poinciana, Red Tree, Poinciana regia
Delonix regia, commonly known as the Flamboyant, Royal Poinciana, or Flame Tree, is a strikingly beautiful flowering tree native to Madagascar. Renowned for its fiery red-orange blossoms and fern-like foliage, it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as an ornamental tree. Its broad canopy provides excellent shade, making it a favorite in landscapes, parks, and avenues.
Flamboyant is a member of the Fabaceae family, which also includes popular plants such as peas, beans, lupines, redbuds, and orchid trees. It enhances soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, helping nearby plants thrive and creating a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Flamboyant is native to Madagascar but is now extensively grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and southern parts of the United States, such as Florida, Texas, and California.
Flamboyant is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with a spreading, umbrella-like canopy. Its low, wide growth habit makes it an excellent shade tree in warm climates.
Mature Flamboyant trees typically grow 30-40 feet (9-12 m) tall with a spread of 40-60 feet (12-18 m). Under optimal conditions, they can grow rapidly, up to 5 feet (1.5 m) or more per year, sometimes reaching full maturity in as little as 10 years. Fast Growing Trees for Small Yards and Large Gardens.
With proper care, Flamboyant trees can live for 50 years or more.
Flamboyant trees are renowned for their spectacular red-orange blossoms. Large and showy, the flowers grow in clusters at branch tips, each reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. They feature five petals, with one often streaked in white or yellow. Blooming from late spring to early summer, they may continue into early fall, creating a breathtaking display.
After flowering, the tree produces long, flattened, mahogany-colored seedpods measuring 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in length. As they mature, the pods turn brown and often persist on the branches for months, sometimes rattling in the wind. When fully ripe, they split open to release numerous seeds (20-40 per pod).
Flamboyant has delicate, fern-like, bipinnately compound leaves that provide a light, feathery appearance. The bright green foliage contrasts beautifully with the vivid flowers. It is evergreen, except in climates that have a dry season or mildly cool winter.
The trunk and branches have smooth, grayish-brown bark that becomes slightly rough and fissured with age.
Flamboyant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. It is highly heat-tolerant but sensitive to frost. Young trees are especially vulnerable to cold and may need protection when temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C). Mature trees can tolerate short periods of cold down to 25°F (-3°C) but may lose their leaves or sustain damage near freezing.
The Flamboyant tree plays a significant role in supporting wildlife, particularly through its flowers and canopy.
Pollinator Attraction: The vibrant flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and birds, which are essential for maintaining local biodiversity.
Habitat and Shelter: Its broad, spreading canopy provides shelter for birds and small animals, offering protection from predators and harsh weather. Trees That Invite Wildlife to Your Garden.
Food Source: The tree’s flowers and seeds may serve as a food source for certain wildlife species.
Once established, Flamboyant is highly drought-tolerant. However, young trees require regular watering during dry periods to develop strong roots.
Flamboyant trees are generally deer-resistant but may be browsed when food sources are scarce.
Flamboyant trees are not considered toxic to humans or pets, but the seeds should not be ingested in large quantities.
Flamboyant trees spread easily by self-seeding and can become invasive in tropical regions. Their large root systems can push out native plants and even crack sidewalks and roads.
In recent years, these trees have started spreading on their own in many countries and are now considered invasive in Australia, Christmas Island, and several Pacific islands. They tend to take over areas, forming dense stands that crowd out native plants and make it hard for local species to grow back.
Flamboyant thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Prefers well-drained, sandy soil but adapts to various soil types, including loam and clay.
Young trees require regular watering to establish strong roots. Mature trees thrive with consistent moisture but are drought-tolerant once established. During the dry or dormant season, watering should be reduced to prevent overwatering and encourage natural resilience.
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove dead branches. Avoid excessive pruning, as it may reduce flowering.
Flamboyant trees are most commonly propagated from seeds, which have a hard outer shell that requires special treatment to improve germination.
Though less common, flamboyant trees can also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings.
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most effective method, while cuttings require more care but can be used for faster establishment of young trees.
Regular monitoring and preventive care, such as proper watering and pruning, can help keep flamboyant trees healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 22, 23, H2 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Royal Poinciana, Red Tree, Poinciana, Peacock Flower, Flame Tree, Flamboyant |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early) |
Height | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
Spread | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden |
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 22, 23, H2 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Leguminosae |
Common names | Royal Poinciana, Red Tree, Poinciana, Peacock Flower, Flame Tree, Flamboyant |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early) |
Height | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
Spread | 40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden |
How many Delonix regia (Flamboyant) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Delonix regia (Flamboyant) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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