Royal poinciana (flamboyant) Delonix regia
Royal poinciana (flamboyant) (Delonix regia) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Madagascar (endangered in the wild). It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 10–16 m (33–52 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Royal poinciana (flamboyant) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Royal poinciana (flamboyant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–16 m (33–52 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Madagascar (endangered in the wild) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Royal poinciana (flamboyant) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds, pods
Pods and seeds are not eaten and may cause stomach upset; pet toxicity is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Royal poinciana (flamboyant)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
See Royal poinciana (flamboyant) in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Na ʻĀina Kai Botanical Gardens (5 plants)
Questions about Royal poinciana (flamboyant)
- How far apart should I plant Royal poinciana (flamboyant)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–16 m (33–52 ft).
- Does Royal poinciana (flamboyant) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Royal poinciana (flamboyant) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Royal poinciana (flamboyant)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Royal poinciana (flamboyant) flower?
- From about May for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Royal poinciana (flamboyant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Pods and seeds are not eaten and may cause stomach upset; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with Royal poinciana (flamboyant)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Broad umbrella crown with shallow, aggressive roots that can lift paving and foundations; plant well away from buildings.
- Briefly leafless in the dry season; brittle limbs; frost-tender.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis