Gulmohar (Delonix regia), the Flame Tree, is one of the most spectacular flowering trees, famous for its brilliant scarlet-orange blooms that blanket the canopy in late spring and summer. Its wide, umbrella-shaped crown of delicate, fern-like foliage provides excellent shade, making it a favourite avenue and shade tree across India. Fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established, it adapts to most soils and thrives in hot tropical climates. Following flowering, it bears long woody seed pods. With its dazzling colour and graceful form, Gulmohar is a beloved ornamental that transforms streets, parks and large gardens into seasonal spectacles.
Specifications
| Family |
Fabaceae |
| Native region |
Madagascar |
| Mature height |
8-12 m |
| Mature spread |
8-12 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Deciduous, feathery bipinnate green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Scarlet to orange-red |
| Flower season |
Late spring to summer |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun |
| Watering |
Moderate when young; drought-tolerant when mature |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained; tolerates a wide range of soils |
| Temperature |
20-45°C; loves heat, protect young trees from frost |
| Humidity |
Low to moderate |
| Fertilizer |
Compost or balanced NPK once or twice a year |
| Pruning |
Prune young trees to build a strong framework |
| Repotting |
Plant in ground; not a long-term container tree |
| Propagation |
Seeds (scarified) and cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Generally pest-resistant |
| Toxicity / safety |
Seeds/pods mildly toxic if eaten raw |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Widely planted as an avenue, shade and ornamental tree in parks, streets and large gardens for its spectacular flowering and broad canopy.
Growing tips
Plant in full sun with ample room for its spreading roots and crown; in India it establishes fast in the monsoon and flowers gloriously through the summer once mature.