Overview
Gossypium arboreum is a plant with a shrub habit in the genus Gossypium, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gossypium arboreum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental.
About
Gossypium arboreum, commonly called tree cotton, is a species of cotton native to India and Sri Lanka. There is evidence of its cultivation as long ago as the Indus Valley Civilisation of the Indus River for the production of cotton textiles. The shrub was included in Linnaeus's Species Plantarum published in 1753. The holotype was also supplied by him, which is now in the Linnean Herbarium in the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for ornamental. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gossypium arboreum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gossypium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Gossypium arboreum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gossypium arboreum
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gossypium arboreum?
Gossypium arboreum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gossypium arboreum need?
Gossypium arboreum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gossypium arboreum hardy in the UK?
Gossypium arboreum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Gossypium arboreum?
Seed.
More in the Gossypium genus
- Gossypiumcotton
- Gossypium barbadenseSea Island cotton
- Gossypium herbaceumLevant cotton
- Gossypium thurberiArizona wild cotton
- Gossypium tomentosum
