african tulip tree (spathodea campanulata)

If you have read my earlier blog on the African Tulip Tree you will know that I had some doubts regarding its survival, but boy was I wrong! The African Tulip Tree, Latin name spathodea campanulata, is an evergreen tree which grows in tropical Africa. It is a very showy tree with clusers of spectacular, tulip shaped, 4 inch flowers in bright orange to red with glossy deep green leaves. My tree appears to be thriving in the San Diego climate, and seems resistant to caterpillars which cover the bougainvillea growing next to and amongst it, and so far has received very little attention.

African Tulip Tree Facts

Bloom time: Depends on climate, in California spring/summer; Hawaii, all year - but flowers may appear in any season.
Exposure: Full sun.
Soil: Well drained soil in a warm site.
Average Size: 40-75 ft tall, 20-50 ft. wide. My tree is in a large pot, so should be smaller (it is about 14 ft high, and 10 ft wide).
Growth rate: Very fast growing tree, blooms young - cannot tolerate frost.
Water: Appears to tolerate both floods and droughts without damage. Keep well drained, if possible.
Fertilizing: Not necessary.
Pruning: Remove any yellowed, dried branches where they can be reached.

This is an amazing, flamboyant tree which seems resistant to pests and diseases, and once it has settled in, grows with little care and attention. A great find!

gardenia augusta (gardenia jasminoides)

I bought a gardenia last year to add to my container garden, and it lasted throughout the mild San Diego winter, and has just come into flower this year with the first buds opening yesterday. The gardenia augusta is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. This evergreen shrub has glossy bright green lance-shaped leaves and intensely fragrant single or double white flowers.

In order to grow this plant successfully, it must have summer heat and well drained soil. For flower buds to form a night temperature of 60-65 degrees is required, and the day temperature should be about 10 degrees higher. An even temperature and careful watering are needed to prevent the buds dropping off, and soft water is recommended to prevent the leaves from turning yellow (although the water in my area is very hard, and I have not had too much trouble).

Gardenia Facts

Bloom time: Late spring and summer.
Exposure: Morning sun or partial shade.
Soil: Fast draining, moisture retentive soil with plenty of organic matter, such as peat moss or ground bark.
Average Size: Compact in container 2-3 feet high; tall upright 4-6 feet high.
Growth rate: Once flowering, successive flowers form quickly.
Water: Keep uniformly moist during growing season. Do not let dry out. Mist leaves.
Fertilizing: Feed every 3-4 weeks during growing season with acid plant food.
Pruning: Prune to remove dead wood, straggling branches, faded flowers.

Gardenia makes a very beautiful container plant, and can be used in raised beds, hedges, and low screens. It also makes a beautiful indoor plant creating a beautiful fragrance in any room.