How to Fertilize Royal Poinciana Trees
Royal Poinciana, known botanically as Delonix regia, is a tropical flowering and fruiting tree known for its lush bright red to coral orange flowers in the late spring and early summer. The tree is prized for its large, spreading canopy that is an ideal shade tree in the warmer climates of USDA zones 10 and 11 where the tree lives. Younger Royal Poinciana trees are fertilized more heavily than older trees. As this species is often grown over or adjacent to a lawn, Royal Poinciana trees often get enough fertilizer from what is applied to the lawn grass, requiring no supplementation.
Select a slow-release or organic complete fertilizer with a guaranteed analysis of 15-5-15 or 16-4-8, or one with a similar ratio of macro-nutrients.
Feed new trees under 3 years of age two to three times a year. Feed trees 3 years and older two times a year unless growing near a lawn that is fertilized regularly. Established trees older than 5 years of age rarely require fertilization unless growing in nutrient-poor soil. Make the first feeding in spring, the second in early fall. The third optional feeding should be made in midsummer.
- Royal Poinciana, known botanically as Delonix regia, is a tropical flowering and fruiting tree known for its lush bright red to coral orange flowers in the late spring and early summer.
- As this species is often grown over or adjacent to a lawn, Royal Poinciana trees often get enough fertilizer from what is applied to the lawn grass, requiring no supplementation.
Apply the fertilizer according to the product label dosing directions but do not exceed a rate of 1 lb. of actual nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of soil area around the tree.
Cast the fertilizer, with a gloved hand, over the root zone of the tree starting a foot out from the trunk and extending past the drip line to 1 1/2 to two times the diameter of the tree canopy.
Water in the fertilizer well until the soil is drenched to a depth of 6 inches to speed the nutrients into the root zone.
Care For A Royal Poinciana Tree
Gardeners prize the royal poinciana tree (Delonix regia), which grows in USDA zones 9b through 11. Its compound leaves can reach from 1 to 2 feet. The royal poinciana tree is a fast grower, and it can reach its ultimate height, around 40 feet, in a relatively rapid amount of time, despite it having the reputation as a rather picky plant that cannot tolerate areas that receive frost. One of the trademark characteristics of the plant is its woody pods. The pods add an extra level of difficulty for gardeners. A good quality granular type of fertilizer is recommended. Pruning helps strengthen the branches and ensures they stay affixed to the trunk. As they grow, royal poinciana trees tend to require more room, as they’re relatively large and have broad trees. Plant it the same distance from your driveway or walkway as their roots will spread that far as well. Ideally, these trees should be planted 12 to 15 feet apart.
- Apply the fertilizer according to the product label dosing directions but do not exceed a rate of 1 lb.
- The royal poinciana tree is a fast grower, and it can reach its ultimate height, around 40 feet, in a relatively rapid amount of time, despite it having the reputation as a rather picky plant that cannot tolerate areas that receive frost.
