Delonix regia

Poinciana is the tree most people picture when they picture the tropics: a low, wide umbrella crown of ferny bipinnate foliage that turns scarlet-orange in early summer, holding flowers across the entire upper surface at once. Grown well, the crown finishes considerably wider than the tree is tall, which is the whole point of it.

In the landscape

A shade tree for open ground, parkland, resort and large private lawns, wide coastal avenues, and any position where a 12–18 m spread is an asset rather than a problem. Space avenue plantings at 12–15 m centres and keep it well clear of narrow verges, service trenches and pool surrounds, since the roots run shallow and buttress with age. Beneath it, the deep shade suits Philodendron, Heliconia and a coarse tropical understorey.

Growing notes

Deciduous through the dry season, reshooting with or just after the flowers. It is frost tender and strictly a tropical to subtropical tree, coastal and near-coastal Queensland, the tropical north, and warm coastal northern New South Wales. Full sun and free-draining soil are the requirements; once established it handles drought, salt-laden wind and heat without irrigation. Growth is fast in warmth. In the ground it settles at roughly 8–12 m tall by 12–18 m wide.

This tree

• Currently standing: 128 trees

Field-grown ex-ground at Donkin Farm, Utchee Creek, root-pruned and basket-lifted, delivered and craned Australia-wide, price on application through the Shortlist.