Royal Poinciana, Flame of the Forest, Framboyan (Flamboyant tree), Peacock flower
The Spanish call it Framboyan (flamboyant) and seeing a mature Royal Poinciana tree in full-bloom is a breath-taking sight. The Royal Poinciana is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 40′ tall and nearly as wide. This is not a tree for a small yard or tight quarters.
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Royal Poinciana, Flame of the Forest, Framboyan (Flamboyant tree), Peacock flower
Botanical Name: Delonix regia, syn. Poinciana regia
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Type: Tree with spreading canopy
Origin: Madagascar, Tropical Africa and India
Zones: 10 – 11
Height: 30′ or more
Rate of Growth: Fast
Salt Tolerance: High
Soil Requirements: Well drained, moist, fertile soil
Water Requirements: Water freely, less water in winter
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Full sun
Form: Large, shady tree with spreading form
Leaves: Bipinnate and comprised of approximately 1,000 small leaflets
Flowers: Red, orange, yellow and a rare white variety. Blooms between May and August.
Fruits: Pendulous, flattened bean-like seed pods to 10″ long — harden in autumn
Pests: Spider mites, whiteflies, thornbugs, crown gall, mushroom rot, wood rot, leaf spots and dieback
Uses: Specimen and shade tree, they do poorly and usually will not bloom in pots.
Bad Habits: Considered a “dirty” tree because they shed their leaves, flowers and woody seed pods. Roots are aggressive and can damage sidewalks, septic tanks and other structures if planted too close to them.
Cost: $$ — reasonable
Propagation: Seeds knicked and soaked in warm water over-night. Cuttings allow trees to begin blooming in less than 5 years.
Sources (“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”): AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS; FLOWERING TREES OF FLORIDA; FLORA: A GARDENER’S ENCYCLOPEDIA 2 VOLUME SET
