Bombax ceiba (Red Silk Cotton Tree)

Product Name: Bombax ceiba (Red Silk Cotton Tree)

Description:

Bring the vibrant beauty of the Bombax ceiba, commonly known as the Red Silk Cotton Tree, into your garden or landscape. This majestic, deciduous tree is renowned for its striking, fiery red flowers that bloom in early spring, creating a stunning spectacle that attracts birds, bees, and butterflies. Native to India and Southeast Asia, the Red Silk Cotton Tree is not only a visual delight but also a culturally significant tree with a variety of traditional uses.

Features:

• Spectacular Blooms: The Red Silk Cotton Tree produces large, cup-shaped flowers with bright red to orange petals that cover the bare branches in early spring, offering a dramatic display of color before the leaves emerge.
• Wildlife Attraction: The vibrant flowers are rich in nectar, making the tree a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, including parrots and mynas. This makes the tree a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting local wildlife.
• Cultural Significance: In India, the Red Silk Cotton Tree holds a special place in folklore and traditional medicine. Its various parts, including the bark and flowers, have been used for their medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurveda.
• Versatile Wood: The wood of the Red Silk Cotton Tree is lightweight and is traditionally used for making boats, matchsticks, and plywood. The tree’s large, spiny trunk also adds to its unique aesthetic appeal.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, the Red Silk Cotton Tree is drought-tolerant, making it a suitable choice for gardens in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Its deep root system helps it survive in tough conditions with minimal care.

Planting & Care:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, which is essential for its growth and the production of its spectacular blooms.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Watering: Water regularly during the initial growth phase to establish strong roots. Once established, the tree can withstand dry conditions with minimal watering.
• Pruning: Prune after the flowering season to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning also encourages more prolific flowering the following year.
• Fertilization: Apply organic compost annually to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering, especially in nutrient-poor soils.

Ideal For:

• Large gardens and landscapes
• Avenue and roadside planting
• Public parks and community spaces
• Wildlife-friendly gardens
• Cultural and medicinal gardens

Additional Information:

• Mature Height: 60-80 feet
• Mature Spread: 30-50 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Foliage Type: Deciduous
• Origin: Native to India and Southeast Asia

Add the Red Silk Cotton Tree to your landscape for its breathtaking flowers, cultural significance, and ecological benefits. Whether you want to create a focal point in your garden, attract wildlife, or honor traditional uses, this tree offers both beauty and functionality, making it a prized addition to any outdoor space.