Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Caesalpinia gilliesii or Bird of paradise bush

The genus Caesalpinia, family Fabaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs and trees native to tropical and temperate regions of the planet. Some species are: Caesalpinia gilliesii, Caesalpinia spinosa, Caesalpinia mexicana, Caesalpinia vernalis, Caesalpinia japonica, Caesalpinia pulcherrima.

Common names: Bird of paradise bush, Yellow bird of paradise. Scientific synonyms: Erythrostemon gilliesii, Poinciana gilliesii. This species is native to South America.

They are fast-growing trees or bushes with a wide crown that exceed 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. It has bipinnate leaves with acicular leaflets. The flowers appear in terminal racemes and are yellow in color. They bloom in summer. The fruits are flat pods 10 cm (3.93") long.

They are used in gardens as isolated specimens and in streets, squares and public parks.

Caesalpinia gilliesii needs a exposure with full sun and average temperatures of 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF). They do not tolerate frost. It is an ideal plant for the Mediterranean climate.

The soil can be a garden substrate, well drained and rich in humus.

Water moderately all year round and increase watering in summer. They are very resistant to drought shrubs.

Prune in spring by cutting off half of the shoots and old branches.

Fertilize in autumn with compost and with mineral fertilizer in summer.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases.

They propagate by seeds sown in spring; soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hours.

Images of the tree Caesalpinia gilliesii or Bird of paradise bush