PSEUDOBOMBAX
ELLIPTICUM
Shaving Brush Tree
If
planted in a tropical area with good soil and given plenty of water this
magnificent flowering tree can get really big, perhaps
as tall as 50'-70'. If kept potted and trimmed the tree can be kept around
3' in height. The way that
the tree is going to end up looking will
depend on where you live and how you grow it. If you live in frost free
places you can have a really big tree, if it is not trimmed and is well
fed.
If you live in frost prone areas than you have to grow the Psedobombax in
pots and the tree will be short and fat. A caudex will form (fat base) sometimes
resembling a turtle shell. Psedobombax
are grown in full to partial sun. It is a deciduous tree and will loose
their leaves in the winter. They should be kept a little dry at this time.
In the spring, it will bloom when the tree still has no leaves. You should
increase the water a little at this time of the year. After the flowers
are gone, the leaves will sprout and if you need you can trim the tree.
By now it is time to start a regular (average) water schedule and fertilizing.
The Psedobombax should
survive minimum temperatures in the high 20°s for short periods of time
but it is best to protect it when the temperatures fall bellow 32°
Check
out Pseudobombax ellipticum 'Alba.'
FAMILY
: Bombacaceae
ORIGIN : Mexico
SIZE : 50'
but can be kept much smaller
GROWTH
RATE : fast
LIGHT
REQUIREMENTS : full
to partial sun
WATER
REQUIREMENTS : average;
less in the winter
MIN. TEMP. : low
30's
FLOWER : spring
