Although this summer’s royal poincianas failed to fill with beautiful red blossoms, you probably remember seeing them in past summers…
Native to Madagascar, royal poinciana (Delonix regia), is also called “flamboyant” or “flame tree.” It provides dappled shade in summer, with wide, spreading branches and brilliantly-colored flowers. Many people consider this to be one of the most beautiful trees in the world. Snowbirds almost always miss their spectacular flower display, since their flowers don’t come out until May.
This tree will grow 20 to 40 feet tall, and requires a level of maintenance that makes it less desirable to some homeowners. While adored for the beautiful flowers, the large, bean-like pods that follow can become a nuisance. These 2-inch by 18-inch pods persist through winter and drop off in the spring, which can be annoying landscape litter for some gardeners. Also, royal poinciana branches are susceptible to breakage, particularly in high winds.
It should be planted in a large expanse of lawn with no garden bed beneath, since the poinciana’s root system sits on top of the ground, rather than deeply into it. This means it will compete with (and win out over) nearby plants for water and nutrients. You should plant it at least 20 feet (more would be even better) from your house to accommodate the broad-spreading canopy of this tree, and at least 12 to 15 feet from drives and walkways so that roots don’t eventually become a problem. And…be aware that grass will grow poorly beneath your tree. Also…check with your Homeowners Association and Section 22 ARC committee before planting! They are sometimes on the “Do Not Plant” list.
Here in Burnt Store Marina, you can see fine examples of royal poincianas along Cape Cole Boulevard, between Islamorada Boulevard and Matecumbe Key Road, and, also on the golf course, along the golf cart path at Heron 4 behind Cobia Cay Villas.
