As spring approaches, many homeowners are thinking of sprucing up their yard. Plans may include adding some trees or pruning the ones you have to make them stand out for the season. Let’s review details of the Poinciana tree to determine if it would make a good fit for your yard or business.
Description
The Poinciana tree is a vibrant flowering tree that is a favourite in Australia. Its large luscious flowers are coloured bright red-orange and have contributed to nicknames such as peacock flower and flamboyant tree. The flowers can get up to 8 cm long and include four separate petals that spread around delicately, while a fifth petal shoots up from the middle. The leaves, on the other hand, are feathery in appearance and have a bright green colour. They can get up to 30-50 cm long. This tree also carries seed pods because it is a legume. This magnificent tree can grow up to 10 metres tall. However, the average height is between 3 – 5 metres.
Blooming time
The flowers of the Poinciana tree have a long blooming season in Australia. They brilliantly reflect their beauty from November until February. So if you own one of these trees, you will enjoy the gorgeous blooms for four months.
Uses
These stately and eye-catching trees used to be used to line the streets in yesteryears. Now, however, they are utilised primarily as an ornamental tree to enhance the yard. Poinciana can serve as a beautiful focal point for any yard. In addition to its beauty, this tree is also is an excellent source of shade. Because of its large size, it provides plenty of cooling shade from hot, sunny days.
Planting tips
The seed for the Poinciana is tiny and must be planted in a high pH soil. The recommended pH is between 6.5 and 7. If you start your Poinciana from seed, remember that it can take up to 10 years to begin to flower. If you provide your soil with phosphatic fertiliser, that will aid in the growth process. Also, be sure not to plant your tree too close to footpaths, driveways, houses, or pools because the tree will extend to be large at full height and width.
Care tips
This lovely tree lives well in tropical conditions. It can tolerate drought but does need soil that allows water to pass through smoothly and quickly. In other words, it doesn’t do as well if the soil is dense or clay-like. Prune the lower limbs of this gorgeous tree when it’s young, so the branches don’t hang too close to the ground.
Are you thinking of adding colour and interest to your yard or need to spruce up the trees that are already there? If so, contact us for information. We are your neighbourhood tree service.
