Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date: 
The Magic of 3 
top tropical trees
from the legends of Caribbean
Yellow Poinciana, Jacaranda, and Royal Poinciana:
Three happy colors of the Tropics
While traveling through the vibrant and diverse Caribbean, we acquired three exquisite local paintings. Two of these are masterfully rendered on jacaranda wood plates, and the third is beautifully crafted on a calabash. These stunning pieces of art celebrate the three most spectacular and revered flowering trees of the Tropics: Yellow Poinciana, Jacaranda, and Royal Poinciana.
These trees are not only visually stunning but also deeply embedded in Caribbean culture, legends, and folk remedies.
The Yellow 
Poinciana, with its bright golden blossoms, is often associated with joy and 
sunlight, symbolizing the warmth of the Caribbean spirit. 
The Jacaranda, 
known for its striking lavender-blue flowers, is a symbol of wisdom and 
rebirth, often blooming in a breathtaking display that signals the change of 
seasons. 
The Royal 
Poinciana, with its fiery red and orange flowers, is a symbol of passion and 
energy, often referred to as the "Flamboyant" tree due to its bold and dramatic 
appearance.
These trees hold a special place in the hearts of the Caribbean people. They are featured in numerous local stories and songs, and their flowers and leaves are used in traditional remedies and rituals. Owning these paintings feels like possessing a piece of the Caribbean's soul and its natural beauty.
Now, we are fortunate to have not only the paintings but also the actual trees. Watching them grow and bloom in our garden brings a piece of the Caribbean to our home, a constant reminder of our travels and the vibrant culture we experienced. These trees and their representations in art are a testament to the region's rich heritage and its enduring connection to nature.
Get them now while we have them. No need to go too far into Caribbean!
Peltophorum africanum - Golden Flamboyant, Yellow Poinciana. An excellent garden shade tree, beautiful in flower. This variety starts flowering at young age, in 3 gal pot.
Jacaranda mimosifolia - Hypnotizing bluish-purple, trumpet-like flowers create the magical image of the tree. Incredible, long-lasting purple blooms. When the trumpet-shaped blooms finally fall, they form a lilac carpet beneath the awe-inspiring Jacaranda for luxuriant curb appeal...
Royal poinciana, Flamboyant tree, Delonix regia - "One of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
Date: 
New video: Royal Poinciana
The most beautiful tropical shade tree
"The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees 
in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is 
like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry 
M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
One of the most conspicuous flowering trees seen in the tropics, Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) has bright fiery red/orange 
blossoms cover its mimosa type leaves which close up and go to sleep for the 
night. 
This large tree, which naturally assumes a spreading umbrella shape, is now 
found in gardens, parks, and planted along streets throughout the tropics. 
In late spring, as the new leaves appear, the tree is covered with masses of 
five-petalled red flowers resembling orchid flowers. Blooming is followed by 
long, flattened, leathery dark brown or black seed pods. Delonix requires full 
sun and adequate space to take its characteristic form....
Read Article about this tree. 
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Three top tropical trees - from the legends of Caribbean
Yellow Poinciana, Jacaranda, and Royal Poinciana paintings
Yellow Poinciana
Jacaranda
Royal Poinciana
While traveling through the vibrant and diverse Caribbean, we acquired three exquisite local paintings rendered on jacaranda wood plates and a calabash. These pieces of art celebrate the three most spectacular and revered flowering trees of the Tropics:
- Yellow Poinciana, with its bright golden blossoms, associated with joy and sunlight, symbolizing the warmth of the Caribbean spirit💛
 - Jacaranda, known for its striking lavender-blue flowers, is a symbol of wisdom and rebirth, blooming in a breathtaking display that signals the change of seasons 💜
 - Royal Poinciana, that we mentioned earlier, with its fiery red and orange flowers, is a symbol of passion and energy, referred to as the "Flamboyant" tree due to its bold and dramatic appearance ♥️
 
Get them now while we have them. No need to go too far into Caribbean!
🛒 Shop flowering trees
#Nature_Wonders
🏵 TopTropicals
Everyone wants this showy Butterfly Attractor! Dwarf
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, with Monarch Butterfly
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, Red
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, Yello
- 🟥 Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, that we mentioned earlier, is probably number 1 flowering plant that everybody wants in their garden.
 - 🟥 Pride of Barbados, Dwarf Poinciana, Peacock flower, Flower Fence - common names speak for themselves.
 - 🟥 National flower of Barbados.
 - 🟥 Comes in different colors - red, yellow, pink, orange...
 - 🟥 Eye-stopper! Showy flowers almost year round.
 - 🟥 Butterfly magnet
 
🛒 Shop Dwarf Poinciana
#Hedges_with_benefits #Butterfly_Plants
🏵 TopTropicals
Date: 
Plants like to snack!
How to feed Poinciana tree
(and other tropical flowering trees)
Q: We purchased a Royal Poinciana tree from TopTropicals not too long ago and we gradually gave it more sun until finally we were able to plant it in direct sunlight where it's been for a week or so. Rain has been sporadic lately so I'm giving it a little bit of water every day. It seems to be doing fine. I do have a question about whether the leaves are as green as they should be? I read online that I should fertilize it with gardenia / ixoria fertilizer in March, June, and October. I looked on homedepot.com but didn't really find anything that goes by that name. Would fertilizer help? Can you suggest a fertilizer?
A: Your Poinciana tree looks pretty healthy and happy, 
congratulations with a great job!
Traditional (old-school) fertilizer recommendations usually suggest feeding 
a plant 2-3 times a year with a slow-release fertilizer. And although a 
plant will benefit from any fertilizer application (extra food is always good), 
however, for the best results, faster growth, sooner and more profuse 
blooming, your should use complete plant nutrition products - liquid fertilizers (see 
why liquid 
fertilizers are better than dry).
Here is an example. Some people eat a big heavy meal once a day which we 
all know, is not very healthy. Other people eat balanced food more frequently 
but in smaller portions - this is always the best way to go.
From this point, plants prefer SNACKING - frequent feeding, but with less 
concentrated, mild and balanced nutrients.
For your beautiful Poinciana tree (and other flowering plants), we suggest 
the following nutrition program:
1) SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster - you may use this fertilizer as frequent as with every watering, it won't burn the roots, and will provide a complete nutrition for all plant needs throughout the year. You can continue fertilizing with Megaflor even during winter time. Sunshine Megaflor will help you to keep the plant healthy, vigorous, and resistant to stress and diseases. It turns leaves green and makes the plant strong so it will start flowering sooner for you.
2) Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster. Apply it once a month during hot season only (in Florida - from March to November).
What is the most spectacular flowering shrub?
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, or Bird of Paradise
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, or Bird of Paradise
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, or Bird of Paradise
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, or Bird of Paradise
🔥 Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Dwarf Poinciana, or Bird of Paradise - is one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs. It is a low-maintenance yet visually striking plant to enhance outdoor spaces.
- ♦️ Prized for its stunning, vibrant flowers that resemble miniature versions of tropical flamboyant blooms.
 - ♦️ Compact size
 - ♦️ Easy to care of
 - ♦️ Prolific blooming period
 - ♦️ Resilience to heat and drought
 - ♦️ Red, Yellow, and Pink flowering varieties available.
 
🛒 Get your own Dwarf Poinciana
#Butterfly_Plants #Hedges_with_benefits
🏵 @TopTropicals
Dwarf Poinciana we have now in our Nursery - beautiful bushes in 3-15 gal pots, in full bloom
Dwarf Poinciana - Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Red
📚 See our previous post about Dwarf Poinciana.
🛒 Order online
#Butterfly_Plants #Hedges_with_benefits
🏵 TopTropicals
One of the top 10 most impressive trees on the planet
✍️ "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - Audrey Hepburn
📷 Royal poinciana, Flamboyant tree, Delonix regia - one of the most popular tropical trees covered with bright red orchid-like flowers from late winter through early summer.
"The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance."
(Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
🛒Grow your own Royal Poinciana
#Quotes #Nature_Wonders
TopTropicals.com
We Grow Happiness
Date: 
We remember 9/11. We must never forget.
As September 11th arrives once again, our hearts are heavy with memories of the fateful day that forever changed our nation. We remember the lives lost, the heroes 
who emerged, and the enduring resilience of our country.
As we pay tribute to the past, we recommit ourselves to building a brighter future. Remember to focus on the beauty that surrounds us every day - the kindness of a stranger, the laughter of loved ones, the warmth of a sunrise. In these simple moments, we will find 
solace and inspiration.
"The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
Date: 
Easy compact bush for sandy soil
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Red Dwarf Poinciana, Bird of Paradise.
Q: Can you recommend a flowering bush that will be in full sun and in sandy soil. I do not want it to exceed 10 feet.
A: For a garden specimen bush that is medium size and tolerates poor soils, we can recommend to choose from the plants below. These are all easy to grow, not fussy about soil and water, and stay compact and require minimal or no trimming at all.
Calliandra surinamensis - Powderpuff - 6-8 ft
Hibiscus 
mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus - 5-6 ft
Dombeya seminole 
- Tropical Rose Hydrangea 4-6 ft
Allamanda 
schottii - Dwarf Allamanda Bush 3-4 ft
Brunfelsia 
pauciflora Compacta - Dwarf Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow - 4-5 ft
Calliandra 
schultzii - Dwarf calliandra - 4-5 ft
Plumbago 
auriculata Imperial Blue
Caesalpinia 
pulcherrima - Red Dwarf Poinciana, Bird of Paradise - 2-4 ft
Hibiscus 
schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus - 5-6 ft
Jatropha 
integerrima compacta - 4-5 ft
Clerodendrum 
bungei - Glory Bower - tolerates shade, 4-5 ft
Eranthemum 
pulchellum - Blue Sage, Lead Flower (prefers shade) - 4-5 ft
Magnolia figo - 
Banana Magnolia - small tree, 6-8 ft
Megaskepasma 
erythrochlamys - Brazilian plume (tolerates shade) - 5-6 ft
Tibouchina 
lepidota - Ecuador Princess, Jules Dwarf - 3-4 ft
Leonotis leonurus
 - Lions Ears - 3-4 ft
Also, for your further reference, check out the reference chart Hedges with Benefits Chart to see different flowering bushes that are great for hedges as well as garden specimens, depending on your specific needs.
Megaskepasma erythrochlamys - Brazilian plume.
Brunfelsia pauciflora Compacta - Dwarf Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow.
Leonotis leonurus - Lions Ears.














