Tulip tree from Gabon, captivating flowering tree

Spathodea campanulata

Do you know the Tulip tree from Gabon? This is a perfect tree for medium to large gardens, where it can grow and develop freely. It is, in effect, a plant from which we can protect ourselves from the sun under the shade of its leaves, which will remain in it throughout the year.

Let us know how to take care of it.

spathodea

The tulip tree of Gabon, scientifically known by the name of Spathodea campanulata, is a fast growing evergreen tree with a height of about 20m, and a crown diameter of between 3 and 4m. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, hence its foliage is reminiscent of those of these splendid climbing plants. Its red flowers can appear in spring or summer, depending on the sunshine (the higher it is, the more likely it is to bloom). The wood of its trunk is soft wood, so much so that birds love to use it to build their nests.

This is a species native to tropical Africa, although it is currently cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics of the world. In gardens it will look spectacular as an isolated specimen or in alignments, leaving a minimum distance of 3m between one plant and another.

Spathodea leaves

In cultivation we find a very grateful tree, as long as we have it in a frost-free climate, or they are very mild (down to -1ºC) and of very short duration otherwise it could be damaged important. It must also be borne in mind that it will only grow on land where there is a lot of organic matter, and little lime. Thus, it should be planted in full sun exposure, and in fertile soils. It is not necessary to pay, but if the soil you have is calcareous, provides iron chelates once every 15 days to prevent you from getting chlorosis.

Finally, you should know that the Spathodea campanulata It is considered an invasive plant, so if you live in a warm, mild climate, it is important that, if you want to have this tree in your garden, contact the Department of the Environment first of your locality for advice.

It's beautiful right?


16 comments, leave yours

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  1.   isabel pautazzo said

    I have one ... it's beautiful ... at this time of year, it still has flowers ...

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Great, Isabel. Their flowers are sure to be precious 🙂.

  2.   Miracles said

    Whip the tree with the edger a little something bad will happen

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Milagros.
      Was it with the flange or with the cutting tool? If it was with the first, nothing happens, but if you have made a cut, put healing paste on it to prevent fungi from proliferating.
      A greeting.

  3.   Elizabeth Quintana said

    When are the branches formed? I have a tulip tree of 1,50 meters approx. Thanks!

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello rosa.
      Branches may take a while to form. To help you, it is advisable to pay it during spring and summer with liquid fertilizers, whether mineral or organic, following the instructions specified on the package.
      A greeting.

  4.   Rosa Quintana said

    Thank you very much Monica. A flower has just come out at the tip of the Cup, it still has no branches. Greetings

  5.   claudiocosta said

    Good afternoon Monica. We have a tulip tree of just over a meter and a half. We bought it in August 2016 (it had a meter approx.). I am writing to you because it has no branches and that puzzles us a bit. A few weeks ago a bud appeared. Approximately how long should I have branches?
    The only thing we did, I don't know if we did it right, a few months ago we removed some little buds that came out on its stem, along it, from very bottom to top before the leaves.

    I copy below a link that contains a couple of photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B48o5Zza_1P-VUliV3Z2OVE1Z3M?usp=sharing

    Thank you very much.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello claudioacosta.
      Your tulip tree looks very handsome and healthy 🙂.
      Anyway, if you want it to emit branches, you can cut the branch it has about 2cm. This will force it to produce side branches.
      I also recommend fertilizing it, for example with horse manure or worm castings, once a month during spring and summer. It is necessary to put a layer of 2-3cm around the trunk.
      a greeting

      1.    Claudia Acosta said

        Good morning Monica. I really appreciate the answer and the advice. What is not clear to me is where I would have to cut the only branch that it has since at the top of it, as you will have seen in the photo, there is a sapling. Where exactly would you cut? Thank you very much 🙂

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Hello Claudio.
          Yes, the ideal would be to wait for it to bloom, and then remove nothing, the two or three newer leaves. Only by doing this will the tree produce more branches.
          a greeting

          1.    Claudia Acosta said

            Good morning Monica. Thank you again for your reply. We will do that then. Greetings.


  6.   Claudia Acosta said

    Good night Monica. I write to you for the following. Our tulip tree had black spots on its leaves, like moles. I do not know exactly how long he has had them because for several days I have not observed him carefully. Could they be the product of a frost? or is it some kind of fungus?

    In this link I copied some photos:
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B48o5Zza_1P-VUliV3Z2OVE1Z3M?usp=sharing

    Thank you very much for your answer.

    Greetings.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Claudio.
      It can be because of both things: that there has been a frost and the fungi have begun to affect you.
      You can treat it with copper-based fungicides.
      A greeting.

  7.   Bruno said

    Good morning, what do you mean that it is invader? How many meters should the tulip tree be planted from a dividing wall?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Bruno.
      It means that the roots are very strong and can break pipes, soil, etc.
      It should be planted at least 5 meters from walls and others.
      A greeting.