Poinciana Tree

Delonix regia, the royal poinciana or flamboyant, is a tropical tree with fine, fern-like foliage and striking red-to-orange flower clusters. In warm climates, flowering can extend from spring into early fall; long woody seedpods remain on the tree into winter, and the spreading crown can grow broader than it is tall. [UF/IFAS Extension](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST228) provides species-level landscape and hardiness guidance, while the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/69290/delonix-regia/details) confirms the botanical identity and common names. ## Form and bloom UF/IFAS reports a mature height of about 35–40 feet and a spread of 40–60 feet. The crown is vase-shaped and spreading, the compound leaves create fine texture, and the showy flowers range from bright red to orange. The Florida Extension profile gives USDA hardiness zones 10B–11. ## Siting Choose full sun and well-drained ground. UF/IFAS lists tolerance for clay, sand, and loam soils and describes the tree as useful for shade or as a specimen. Allow generous room from pavement: large surface roots can lift or damage sidewalks, and the wide crown needs open space. ## Maintenance Water regularly until established; mature trees need supplemental water mainly during severe drought. Early structural pruning helps develop well-attached limbs and safe clearance beneath the crown, since branches can break. Plan for the large seedpods and fallen foliage, which create seasonal cleanup.