Overview

Spathodea campanulata is a tree tree in the genus Spathodea, part of the Bignoniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Spathodea campanulata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen tree, large gardens and parks. It is native to Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo and Uganda.

About

Spathodea campanulata is an evergreen tree used as a specimen in large gardens and parks. It is native to several African countries, including Cameroon, Uganda and Tanzania, and has a seasonal display in spring and summer. In UK conditions it prefers a south-facing, sheltered position on neutral loam kept moist and in full sun. Classified H4 (average) for UK hardiness, it is best placed where winters are not extreme.

About the genus

Spathodea is a genus in the plant family Bignoniaceae. The single species it contains, Spathodea campanulata, is commonly known as the African tulip tree or the Nandi Flame.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Spathodea

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Spathodea campanulata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Tree

Habit

Tree

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Specimen tree, large gardens, parks

Native to

Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Spathodea campanulata

Propagation

Seed, cuttings, root shoots

Pest resistance

Resistant

Disease resistance

Resistant

Frequently asked questions