The flame tree brings color to the garden. But because he is not used to our weather conditions, there are a few things to consider when planting.
The flame tree with the botanical name Delonix Regia is also called Flamboyant and it is not for nothing that it is so popular with passionate gardeners and plant lovers: its fiery red blossom with pointed ends gives it an almost fiery appearance. The plant, which belongs to the carob plants and bears fruit, originally occurs in the tropics, more precisely in Madagascar, and is considered an ornamental plant because the fruits cannot really be processed. Although the flame tree is a perfect source of shade due to its broad, dense crown, it is only kept as an ornamental plant in Europe that needs to be trimmed regularly. Below we explain how to plant the flame tree correctly and where it finds its perfect location.
Facts about the Flame Tree
In the tropics, the flame tree can reach a height of up to 17 meters. The tree crown develops quite broad but dense, so that it is often used as a shade provider in warmer latitudes. The extraordinary appearance in light green and red-orange makes the flame tree particularly interesting for gardeners, as does the light, almost gray and smooth trunk. The red fruits form teardrop-shaped clusters that can grow up to 50cm long, making for an even more vibrant sight that will be appreciated by many.
Which location does the flame tree need?
Unfortunately, the carob plant cannot take up every location in our gardens, as it absolutely does not tolerate frost and cold - which is clear when you think of its original occurrence. So if you want to find a suitable location for the flame tree, it should never be outdoors all year round. In the warm months, it can easily adorn the balcony, terrace or veranda in the bucket, but in winter and autumn it should be allowed to hibernate in the house or heated garden shed. Of course, the ornamental plant can also be kept at home all year round. The flame tree needs temperatures of 15 to about 20 degrees Celsius and should naturally in summermay experience slightly higher temperatures - the sun-loving tree also needs a bright, light-flooded location. On the other hand, the flame tree does not necessarily tolerate wind and draughts.
Once you have chosen a location, you have to choose the right bucket. This should be big enough, as the flamboyant's root system needs enough space to grow. However, it is not necessary to put the flame tree in pots for medium-old trees, a diameter of 70 cm for older flame trees is sufficient if it is cut regularly.
How to plant a flame tree correctly?
If you want to plant a flame tree, you can either buy it as a young plant from the nursery or grow it yourself from seed. Young plants are quite easy to plant: A suitable, slightly larger bucket than the root system of the tree should be provided so that it can be planted there with Mediterranean plant soil such as oleander or olive soil. If you decide to use seeds from the nursery or from your last tropical vacation, proceed as follows:
- Soak the seeds: Place the seed on a kitchen towel, then place it in a container and moisten it with lukewarm water. The kitchen towel absorbs the moisture and stores it so that the dried seeds can slowly soften.
- If the seed has softened, a small pot or seed tray can be provided with a mixture of coco humus and seed compost. The soil should be introduced very air-permeable and loose, then the seed can be put in and covered lightly with soil and moistened regularly.
- Cover the pot with foil to speed up germination: the seed usually germinates after a week or two, so very quickly. The pot with seeds should be stored at around 20 degrees Celsius in a bright location - but avoid direct sunlight.
- If the seedling penetrates through the layer of soil, the foil can be removed for ventilation. It is still important to pay attention to a lot of moisture, but waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.
- Pricking out should take place soon, so that each seedling gets its own pot - some fresh potting soil won't hurt when repotting.
- If you have already grown a small young plant, it will be happy to be placed outside during the warm months. However, you should look for a windless place that offers enough sunlight so that the plant can gain strength.
Because theFlame tree grows quickly, it is particularly important to ensure that it is regularly repotted during its young growth phase. Its roots spread quickly and need a lot of space to get along with the site. Kept as a small ornamental tree, it is also important to prune regularly. This also gives the crown the desired dense shape. With a large enough pot, the tree will stop growing at sufficient strength to remain an attractive ornamental. With young plants that have already been grown from the nursery, you can save yourself some work cutting them into shape, but transplanting and further care will not be missing.
Everything important for planting a flame tree summarized - what needs to be considered
- choose a location that is always warm or provide a place to overwinter
- provide a suitable container for the later ornamental plant
- Plant young plants or alternatively buy seeds and let them soak
- Grow in a warm place with loose and air-permeable potting soil mixture until seedlings have formed
- Prick out seedlings and repot individually
- keep moist, but avoid waterlogging
- Repot young plants regularly
- Prune the mature plant and shape it until the desired crown shape is achieved
- provide sufficient sunlight but protect from wind
- water frequently