Flowering tree

Flame tree (royal poinciana)

Delonix regia

Spreading flowering tree 8–12 m tall with a crown usually wider than tall, 12–18 m (UF/IFAS); Gardmi uses a 14 m crown. Surface roots lift paving, so keep it well away from buildings. Frost-tender (USDA 10b–11).

Use in planner

Planning parameters

Use these values as a practical planning envelope: they describe the adult plant, not the young seedling.

Adult height: 8-12 m
Crown diameter: 14 m
Root zone: 14 m
Root type: Wide shallow surface roots that can lift paving and crack thin slabs
Recommended setback: Keep at least 7 m from the house, pool and paving
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10b–11 (damaged below about 0 °C)
Crown density: Medium, light filtered shade

Site requirements

These conditions decide whether the plant will establish well after planting.

Light: Full sun
Watering: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil type: Most well-drained soils, including sandy
Drainage: Tolerates periodic drought; avoid waterlogging
Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline

Root system and placement

Plan a root zone of about 14 m diameter

Garden role and season

These fields help choose the plant by composition, privacy, flowering and year-round value.

Form: Very wide umbrella-shaped tree, usually broader than tall
Foliage: Fine feathery bipinnate leaves; sheds them in the dry season
Season: Early summer bloom
Bloom: Masses of scarlet to orange flowers in late spring and early summer
Fruit: Long flat woody pods up to 50 cm; messy litter
Garden use: Shade and flowering specimen for large gardens; one tree shades a whole terrace

Care and risks

This is the practical part for future maintenance and safe placement on the plot.

Maintenance: Water young trees; prune early to one strong trunk with well-spaced branches
Pruning: Prune while young to avoid weak narrow forks
Risks: Weak wood — limbs break in storms; surface roots and pods; do not plant near foundations