I do not know if you have noticed, but the flowering trees known as royal poinciana or flamboyant are in full bloom across the landscape. If you were able to fly a drone with a camera over residential Charlotte County the royal poinciana trees would stick out like oval beacons of glorious deep red to orange blooms. It must be a good year for this tree as for some reason all of the horticultural stars have aligned to make this a banner royal poinciana year!
The royal poinciana or Delox regia is flowering tree that is very popular considering its brilliant flowers displayed from May to July. This “king or queen of flowering trees” has soft feather-like leaves with orange red, very showy flowers followed by large eighteen-inch-long seed pods that are both decorative and a nuisance to clean up. Technically, the royal poinciana is classified by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas as “caution” in South Florida. This means that it is not invasive per se, and it can be recommended but should be managed to prevent escape – likely more of a concern further south of us. There are orange or yellow cultivars occasionally available on the market as well that provide a vivid change in your plant palette selection.
Growing to forty-feet tall and up to sixty-feet wide, this fast-growing semi-evergreen spreading umbrella-like tree has needs and considerations for best results. First keep in mind the potential size of this tree – especially its spread – making sure that your landscape can accommodate this unique woody plant. Next, consider that it is cold-sensitive and during freezing winter cold snaps, damage can occur. I have particularly noticed its susceptibility to the Asian ambrosia beetle after a freeze. These beetles attack stressed royal poincianas boring into the wood and kicking out strings of sawdust as they work. As such, keep the royal poinciana closer to the coast (but not too close as it has only low to medium salt tolerance) or in warmer micro-climates for best long-term success.
Royal poinciana are known to have low wind resistance, so proper pruning will go a long way towards making them as structurally sound as they can be. Prune and train this tree over the years so that the major limbs are about twelve feet from the ground. Keep branches under control and growing no more than half the diameter of the trunk. Allow plenty of room for this tree and situate it at least ten (maybe even up to twenty) feet away from payment or sidewalks in consideration of the roots. Plant in a full-sun site and keep the royal poinciana well-watered during establishment but consider it highly drought-tolerant thereafter. This poinciana is well adapted to a number of soil conditions, but keep in mind that grass does not grow well under its branches.
Patience is a virtue with royal poinciana as they can take up to twelve years from seed to begin to flower. Most started transplants available at nurseries have a bit of a head start and may flower in as early as five-years. You may find out that this tree is too big for your lot. There will likely be one in your neighborhood to enjoy from afar. In any case, this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ approved tree will far surpass your expectations! For more information on types of flowering trees suitable for our area, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2026) Royal Poinciana. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K. Hilbert, D. R. & McLean. D. C. (2018) Delonix regia: Royal Poinciana. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. (2026). The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Setzer, K. (2017) Royal poinciana is a Florida favorite. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
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