About
A tropical, evergreen tree to 10m tall and wide in its native Madagascar. It bears elegant, fern-like leaves and clusters of exotic-looking, bright red flowers. In frost-prone areas grow in a temperate greenhouse as foliage plants, since they rarely flower in a container.
About the genus
A genus of flowering plants, including trees native to East Africa and Madagascar. The foliage is fern-like and the orange-red flowers are large and have a disctinct spreading habit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Trees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMadagascar
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly at other times. Top dress or pot on in spring
PruningSee pruning group 1; tolerates hard pruning under glass
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free