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Spathodea campanulata - African tulip tree

Spathodea campanulata
African tulip tree, Nandi flame, flame tree, fountain tree

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An African tree prized for its spectacular flowering, reminiscent of red-orange tulips, and its lush, dark green foliage. It grows rapidly and reaches an impressive size in warm climates. Frost-sensitive and heat-loving, the African tulip tree is not suited to outdoor cultivation, but it can be grown in a large container, in a heated greenhouse, or a bright conservatory. However, this cultivation method remains challenging, particularly due to its vigorous growth. It requires special attention and a certain level of gardening experience.
Flower size
11 cm
Height at maturity
3 m
Spread at maturity
2.50 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to 10°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time May to August
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Description

Spathodea campanulata, the African Tulip Tree, is an exceptional tropical tree, prized for its flamboyant orange-red flowering reminiscent of exotic tulips. Native to tropical Africa, it boasts a majestic habit and luxuriant foliage and grows rapidly in its native lands. Highly sensitive to cold and our long winters, it is reserved for collectors and enthusiasts of rare plants who can cultivate it with dedication in a heated greenhouse or a bright conservatory. Demanding in terms of warmth, sunlight, and humidity, it requires special attention but will reward you with an unforgettable botanical spectacle.

Spathodea campanulata, commonly known as the African Tulip Tree, is a tree from the Bignoniaceae family. Native to tropical Africa, particularly Gabon, it is also referred to as Flame of the Forest. It is widely cultivated in tropical regions for its spectacular flowering. This tree thrives in humid tropical climates, preferring temperatures between 20 and 30°C and high annual rainfall. It tolerates various soil types, provided they are well-drained, but is very sensitive to frost, limiting its cultivation to frost-free zones. After being introduced to many tropical regions for ornamental purposes, the African Tulip Tree has become invasive in some areas, specifically the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, where it threatens local biodiversity.
Spathodea campanulata is a fast-growing tree, reaching heights of 10 to 35 metres in the ground, with a trunk up to 60 cm in diameter. In a pot, its size is naturally limited. Container-grown specimens typically reach 1 to 2 metres in height, depending on pot size and growing conditions. Larger specimens, 3 to 4 metres, develop in 75-litre containers. The African Tulip Tree has an upright habit with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves, measuring up to 50 cm in length, consist of 7 to 17 ovate, dark green leaflets with entire margins. They persist year-round. The highly conspicuous flowers are arranged in terminal clusters. They measure 10 to 12 cm in length, displaying orange to coral-red hues with yellowish edges and a tulip-like shape. Flowering is nearly continuous in humid tropical climates but more seasonal in regions with a pronounced dry season. In temperate climates, flowering typically occurs between May and August. The fruits, which form in the wild, are large, elongated capsules, reaching up to 30 cm in length, containing numerous winged seeds that disperse easily by wind. The bark is initially smooth and grey-brown, becoming fissured and darker with age. The root system is extensive, providing the tree with good stability.

Children in regions where the African Tulip Tree grows often use its fluid-filled flower buds as natural "water bombs," as they burst and release their contents when squeezed.

The African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) is a tropical tree whose cultivation is quite challenging in temperate climates. It can be grown in a conservatory or greenhouse, where temperatures do not drop below 10°C. Care must also be taken to ensure the air is not too dry. Ideally, temperatures should range between 20 and 30°C to encourage growth. In winter, using grow lights can provide additional light to prevent etiolation of the plant.

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Spathodea campanulata - African tulip tree in pictures

Spathodea campanulata - African tulip tree (Flowering) Flowering
Spathodea campanulata - African tulip tree (Foliage) Foliage
Spathodea campanulata - African tulip tree (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 3 m
Spread at maturity 2.50 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time May to August
Flower size 11 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Spathodea

Species

campanulata

Family

Bignoniaceae

Other common names

African tulip tree, Nandi flame, flame tree, fountain tree

Botanical synonyms

Bignonia tulipifera, Spathodea danckelmaniana, Spathodea nilotica, Spathodea tulipifera

Origin

South America

Product reference24065

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Planting and care

The African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) is a tropical tree highly sensitive to cold, making its cultivation in pots in our temperate climate challenging. To succeed in growing it, it is essential to place it in a pot in a conservatory, greenhouse, or bright indoor space where temperatures do not drop below 10°C. Ideally, temperatures should range between 20 and 30°C to encourage its growth. In winter, if natural light is insufficient, it is recommended to use horticultural lamps to provide additional light and prevent the plant's etiolation.

Choose a container suited to its rapid growth and vigorous root system. Start with a medium-sized pot, approximately 20 to 30 cm in diameter, equipped with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture. As the tree develops, plan for regular repotting, ideally twice a year (in spring and autumn), gradually increasing the pot size to provide enough space for the roots. This practice helps avoid water stagnation and supplies the plant with fresh, nutrient-rich substrate. A pot that is too large from the outset can lead to excessive water retention, which is harmful to the tree's health. Thus, a gradual increase in pot size is recommended to ensure healthy and balanced growth of the African Tulip Tree in container cultivation.

The growing substrate should be rich, moist, and well-drained; a mix of loam, compost, potting soil, and sand in equal parts is advised. Regular watering is necessary, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, with slightly reduced watering during the winter months. Feeding every two months can support its growth. Finally, formative pruning can be carried out from the third year onwards, in March or April, to shape the tree.

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Planting period

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Container, Greenhouse, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to 10°C (USDA zone 12) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained, rich

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Needs to be stored

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