About
A deciduous tree with succulent green stems that can reach heights up to 18m in its natural habitat but often forming a small tree or shrub up to 6m tall in cultivation. Large, palmate leaves comprising five, rounded leaflets up to 30cm long and 18cm wide, emerge a bronze-red colour before maturing to green. aromatic flowers which last one day appear before the leaves in spring with green sepals peeling back to expose long white or pink stamens resembling a shaving brush.
About the genus
Pseudobombax is a genus containing species of varied habit, from compact perennials to larger woody plants. Members are valued in horticulture for their flowers, foliage, or overall form and are found in diverse habitats worldwide
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun with protection from frosts. Provide regular water in summer especially if grown as a container plant but protect from excessive winter wet when the tree is dormant
PruningNo pruning required but can be trimmed to maintain shape after flowering as the leaves emerge
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free