Species shaving-brush tree

shaving-brush tree

Pseudobombax ellipticum

The shaving-brush tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum) is an exotic, evergreen tree native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It has distinct, unique flowers resembling a shaving brush which come in shades of pink and yellow. The fragrant blooms appear from late autumn to early spring. The branches of the tree are rigid and angular and they grow up to 25 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Its foliage is dark green and leathery and it's oval-shaped leaves measure up to 8 inches long. The tree quickly adapts to full sunshine or partial shade and requires well-draining soil. It grows best in mild, frost-free climates and is an ideal choice for planting in gardens, courtyards and parks.

Cycle:

Perennial. Pseudobombax ellipticum is a perennial plant species, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 12

Flowers:

Pink or white Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The shaving-brush tree typically requires regular watering to maintain its health and robust growth. Water the tree deeply every 5-7 days during its active growing season (April through October). Soak the soil for 1-2 hours each time to ensure the entire root zone is saturated. Cut back on watering over winter, when the tree isn't actively growing, to just once per month.

sunlight

The shaving-brush tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum) needs at least 7 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every day to thrive. This plant species does best when planted in a location where it can receive consistent exposure to full sunlight throughout the day. It is also recommended that the tree is given adequate and regular amounts of shade during extreme high temperatures. Planting in a location near a wall or building can help protect the tree from strong winds and provide some shade during the heat of the day.

pruning

The shaving-brush tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum) should be pruned once a year during the beginning of the winter when the tree is in its dormant state. This will help to encourage new growth as well as shaping the tree to the desired size and shape. Pruning should be done moderately and not too much, especially for younger trees. Remove only dead, twiggy or diseased branches, and leave the more healthy ones in order to maintain the overall health of the tree. Depending on the desired size of the tree, pruning can range from a light trim to hard trim, but should not exceed 25-30% of the overall foliage mass.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Pseudobombax ellipticum typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The Pseudobombax ellipticum typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map