Ceiba boliviana (Ceiba)
Botanical name: Ceiba boliviana
Common name: Ceiba
Family: Malvaceae (Formerly:Bombacaceae)
Subfamily: Bombacoideae
Origin: Bolivia
USDA Zone: 9-10
Plant form: Large tree; suitable for bonsai
Mature height: 20 ft or more
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate
Flower color: Pink
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Foliage: Deciduous
Thorns: Thorny or spiny
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirdsNative to Bolivia, Ceiba boliviana can reach over 50 feet tall. Ceiba boliviana requires full sun to partial shade, and moderate to low water use. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Ceiba is a beautiful ornamental tree. Its thorny branches are covered with large, leathery, dark green leaves and make a great accent to any landscape. Every summer, the tree produces pink flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The flowers turn into slender seedpods that are filled with downy seeds.
Ceiba can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11 and in colder regions it can be grown in a pot. When planting Ceiba in a pot, it is important to make sure that the pot is a large one and keep it well-drained with regular applications of fertilizer.