Pseudobombax Species, Amapolla Tree, Shaving Brush Tree

I almost gave this a negative rating but don't have the heart to. When I planted, I didn't know the tree was without leaves for almost ha...Read Morelf of the year. They drop in November and dont leaf out until late May. The flowers also only last ONE day. They are beautiful, but oh so brief. And the tree doesn't get covered in flowers either, it's sporadic. You basically will have a large, bare tree for 6 months. Now, when it leafs out, it looks nice, especially the new growth which is red. However it is also a favorite of the Sri Lanka bullweevil and they eat the leaves and they look ragged after leafing out because of it. It is a nice tree for a large property where the negatives won't be so visible as they would in a home landscape. Probably best for parks or large lots.

A unique and stunning gem from the drier tropical forest regions of Southern Mexico down into Central America, Shaving Brush Trees are st...Read Moreunning centerpiece additions to any Tropical-esque succulent garden. They can also be trained to create conversation starting Bonsai subjects possessing swollen "Caudex" like trunk bases which fatten up the more they are pruned.

Often times, the trunk of such specimens will possess a tortoise shell like texture intertwined in bright green.

In nature, and when left to grow larger in the ground, trees are squat and can be wider spreading rather than tall and often lack the pronounced swelling of the trunk base seen in pot-bound specimens.

Interestingly, this is a tree that seems to present something eye catching all year long. After dropping all or most leaves during the winter.. ( Dry season in it's native range) Smooth green bark adds interest to a bare yet picturesque framework.

In Spring, large Cigar-like buds rapidly develop in response to warmer weather. Shortly afterwards, spectacular Neon hot Pink or White pom poms decorate bare branches like ornaments. While only lasting a couple days each, on average, flowering will continue for a coupe weeks before new leaves begin to flush and hide any late blooms. Oddly, this is a tree that puts on quite a show while pushing fresh spring foliage.

Newest leaves open a rich Blood Red or Maroon, then slowly fade through Orange-ish and Bronze shades, before changing to bright light Apple Green, and finally a nice deep Green. While the show is eye catching on small, container grown specimens like my own, larger trees are a sight worthy of stopping to investigate up close.

During the summer, the large, deep green, Palmate- type leaves create a nice shade. Meanwhile, if present, fat oval shaped seed pods cycle through their development, once again decorating the tree. At some point toward the end of Summer or early Fall, seed pods open to expose the familiar cotton ball fluff familiar to most trees within the Bombax/Chorisia genus.

While quite drought tolerant, Shaving Brush trees will grow faster and fuller when supplied extra summer water.

In Fall or winter, and especially if kept dry/ cooler, leaves will change to gold and brown before dropping. Some trees, especially in warmer places, may retain some foliage.

While considered "tropical" larger mature trees can withstand some cold exposure, perhaps down to about 27F, seedling and smaller specimens should be protected and kept on the dry side, like Plumeria, which also inhabit a similar region in Mexico/Central America.

A note on pollination: Single, widely spread out specimens may or may not develop seed pods. Despite flowering for weeks last spring, an isolated specimen here in S.W. Bradenton didn't set a single pod. I was also informed that one may have to hand pollinate container grown specimens to produce seed. In the garden, if space is adequate, planting two specimens might increase the odds of getting seed.

As far as cuttings, best to set in late spring or summer. Those taken during the cooler months run a greater risk of rotting, especially if kept wet/cold.

A spectacular, heat loving tree worthy of trialing in the ground anywhere from zone 9b to 11+, and as a container specimen anywhere else. Wish there were many more of these planted around town here, imo.

Hi everyone,

I just bought a p bambox. It's about 3 feet tall. Woody about halfway up. Has an avocado shaped/sized base. ...Read MoreCan I cut it a few inches above the base in the spring? Higher a better idea? I'd like it to caudiform. Any thoughts? Other things I should think about with this little tree? I'll be trying to root the cutting as well.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Crazy plants in Rhode Island can happen!

I have been growing Bombax ellipticum for years. I live in Montana though, so obviously my Bombax tree's are grown inside for most of the...Read More year except spring, summer and early fall. Mine have always been excellent growers and extremely easy to take care of. They don't seem to be too picky but do like plenty of water. Never let it dry out completely or you'll have a dead Bombax. Then again, don't over water either or you'll have a rotten Bombax and trust, you don't want that! These are beautiful tree's and make great houseplants. One of mine has only bloomed once and the others, never. Likely because I don't live or grow them in the correct climate. I was just lucky that one year I guess. The flowers are however, extremely beautiful and showy and DO look like giant shaving brushes. The pods produce Kapok which is the cottony seed mass that appears after the flowers get pollinated, usually by bats, moths and birds in their native habitat. The Kapok is used to stuff pillows and make other items. It's very soft and nice. I would highly reccommend getting one of these if you get a chance. No matter where you live, it will be an endearing friend. Just take good care of it and maybe it will bloom for you, too! The giant caudiciform trunks are fabulously attractive, much like myself. Just kidding. To the person above who wrote about planting one near the septic tank in Florida.......bad idea! They get huge and the roots can go deep. It would probably bust your septic tank from just the weight of the tree itself! A very fun plant and beautiful too!