Dwarf Poinciana: A Garden Showstopper
Have you ever wanted a Royal Poinciana Tree, but in a much smaller size? Consider our October plant of the month the Dwarf Poinciana for your next garden addition.
The Dwarf Poinciana (Caesalpinina pulcherrima) is an evergreen shrub that can be trained and pruned into a small specimen tree in frost free climate zones.
In zones 8 and 9 it can be damaged by frost, but will return in the spring and quickly re-grow. In the tropics it is also know as Peacock Flower or Pride of Barbados and can grow up to 15 feet tall and wide. In normal garden cultivation it will grow to about 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, but tolerates pruning in order to maintain shape and form.
The foliage is very fernlike and produces many showy flower blossoms that resemble those of the Royal Poinciana tree. The flower colors vary from the common red, orange and yellow variety, an all yellow variety and another with a pinkish rose coloration.
This is a great specimen to add to your garden. The Dwarf Poinciana can also be grown in a pot or container and brought inside if there is a threat of frost or freezing temperatures.
The Edison & Ford Estates Garden Shoppe is currently featuring the Dwarf Poinciana as our Plant of the Month and offering 20% off the purchase of a 6” potted Dwarf Poinciana in OCTOBER 2011.
Susan Says:
Can you tell me where or how can I order this plant? Your help is greatly appreciated.
Posted on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:55 am
Edison Ford Winter Estates Says:
Hi Susan,
We grow the plant here at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. We propagate from the seed pods of our trees. We have the scarlet colored one, the rosey colored one, and the yellow one. They are in a 6″ pot. It is really a Caeselapinia pulcherimma common name dwarf Poinciana. The tree can be grown as a standard or a shrubby tree. It can get to 12 feet tall, but is common to keep tamed at 8-10 feet. It blooms spring/summer/fall
Debbie Hughes, Senior Horticulturist
Posted on May 10th, 2012 at 10:56 am
robert lucas Says:
I have seeds from the plant I grew last year. Would be glad to send you some with postage paid envelope.
My plant is about 6′ high and 8′ wide. I live in central florida about 8 miles from Cocoa.
Posted on June 3rd, 2012 at 8:47 am
Nancy Lyman Says:
Robert:
It will be great if you can send some seeds of Dwarf Poinciana to me. If I have your address, I will mail you postage paid envelope.
Thank, – Nancy
Posted on June 16th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Maria Gardner Says:
interested in a dwarf poinciana tree…..I live in Broward county florida….
Posted on July 15th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
peter mascall Says:
I live in the south of England and have this year succesfully grown about 10 red Poinciana’s but would really love to obtain the Dwarf Yellow Poinciana to grow in a pot as our winters a too severe to grow outside. Could someone please recommend where I culd buy some seeds.
Many thanks
Peter
Posted on September 26th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Teresa Kollath Says:
I have heard that they are poisonous . Are they safe for children and pets?
Posted on October 28th, 2012 at 8:42 am
Edison Ford Winter Estates Says:
The seeds and flowers are known to contain toxins and could be harmful to pets and humans if they were to ingest some.
Todd Roy
Horticulturist and Garden Shoppe Manager
Posted on October 31st, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Edison Ford Winter Estates Says:
Yes they are poisonous to pets. I have a yorki who doesn’t eat plants so it depends on your animal. Many plants are poisonous to animals. Go to the ASPCA website to find a list of plants and there are many. As I said before, if your dog isn’t a plant eater-I do keep an eye on him, and keep plants out of reach in the home.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/
Debbie Hughes, Senior Horticulturist
Posted on November 1st, 2012 at 10:52 am