Origin
South America
Light
Full sun
Watering
Weekly
Care
Easy
Flowering
Flowering
Outdoor
Flamboyant
A flat scarlet crown at the height of summer, and half-metre woody pods that rattle in the wind.
Care Profile
A guide to ensuring your botanical companion thrives.
Origin
Madagascar
Light
Full sun
Watering
Rarely
Maintenance
Moderate
The flame tree
Endemic to Madagascar's dry forests, it was long believed extinct in the wild before being found again in the west of the island, by which time it was planted across the tropics.
Its woody pods hang on for close to a year, and its very hard seeds germinate only after a long soak.
"A tree planted everywhere, nearly lost at home."
01
Styling Tip 01
Heat and full sun
It fears frost: keep it to sheltered coastal positions, out of cold winds.
02
Styling Tip 02
Little water once established
Support it for the first two years, then let its roots find water on their own.
03
Styling Tip 03
Allow for the spread
Its crown is wider than tall and its pods are heavy: never above parking or a bench.
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Origin
South America
Light
Full sun
Watering
Rarely
Care
Easy
Flowering
Flowering