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moderate Care
African tuliptree
Spathodea campanulata
The African tuliptree (Spathodea campanulata) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to tropical Africa and widely cultivated elsewhere. Its foliage is a deep green and the five-petalled flowers have bright orange to red-orange petals. Beautiful blooms appear in mid-spring from bright pink buds and the long seedpods are reminiscent of tulips. It is both drought and frost tolerant, thrives in full sun and requires little in the way of supplemental water or fertilizer once established. African tuliptrees are an excellent choice for landscaping, providing ornamental interest and providing shade.
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water Needs
medium
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 10Zone 11
Hardiness Map
Green areas show climates worldwide where this plant can grow.
Zone 10Zone 11
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Water Every
"3-4" days
Sun Needs
full-sun
Growth
High
Care Level
Moderate
Watering Schedule
Frequency
Day 1"3-4" daysDay NaN
💧 Water every "3-4" days
Seasonal Adjustments
Adjust watering frequency based on temperature, humidity, and season. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter.
Pro Tip: Check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil—if it's dry, it's time to water!
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Pruning Time
How to Propagate
Air Layering Propagation
Bend stem to soil surface, cover lightly, roots form in 4-6 weeks
Grafting Propagation
Join scion to rootstock, bind securely until healed
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Seed Propagation
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
Plant Characteristics
Tropical
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Homes with pets
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
- •Infrequent watering
Bloom Seasons
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place in the sunniest spot in your garden.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry.