Caesalpinia

The genus Caesalpinia consists of evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs, sometimes lianas. Many types of them are bred as decorative. The leaves are bipinnate with stipules. Flowers are collected in brushes. The most famous semi-evergreen species is Caesalpinia regia, which has a distinctive erect trunk with thick grayish-brown bark and spreading branches. The leaves are biconvex, very long (up to 60 cm), dark green. The flowers are very lush, painted in bright carmine-red and red-orange tones, five-petaled, bloom in summer on long branches. The fruits are elongated brownish-red beans. Among the varieties planted 'Yellow' with golden-yellow flowers, 'Orange fire' with bright orange flowers and 'Red fire' with lush racemes of red flowers. Caesalpinia Gillis (C. gilliesii) and Caesalpinia beautiful (C. pulcherrima), as a rule, have the form of a shrub or small tree without thorns with light brown bark, with openwork foliage. In the first, more stable species, the flowers are light yellow with red. The second one has red flowers with a yellow border. They bloom in summer. Caesalpinia japonica (C. japonica) is a shrub with long spreading branches, often creeping along the ground, with strong curved spines. It grows rapidly and forms impassable hedges.

The genus Caesalpinia consists of evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs, sometimes lianas. Many types of them are bred as decorative. The leaves are bipinnate with stipules. Flowers are collected in brushes.

The most famous semi-evergreen species is Caesalpinia regia, which has a distinctive erect trunk with thick grayish-brown bark and spreading branches. The leaves are biconvex, very long (up to 60 cm), dark green. The flowers are very lush, painted in bright carmine-red and red-orange tones, five-petaled, bloom in summer on long branches. The fruits are elongated brownish-red beans. Among the varieties planted 'Yellow' with golden-yellow flowers, 'Orange fire' with bright orange flowers and 'Red fire' with lush racemes of red flowers.

Caesalpinia Gillis (C. gilliesii) and Caesalpinia beautiful (C. pulcherrima), as a rule, have the form of a shrub or small tree without thorns with light brown bark, with openwork foliage. In the first, more stable species, the flowers are light yellow with red. The second one has red flowers with a yellow border. They bloom in summer.

Caesalpinia japonica (C. japonica) is a shrub with long spreading branches, often creeping along the ground, with strong curved spines. It grows rapidly and forms impassable hedges.

Cultivation

Caesalpinia is more often grown as an ornamental crop in mild, warm climates. Since the root system of plants is superficial, located shallowly, it is not recommended to plant close to buildings and structures. Plant in the ground for a permanent place in a fertile and well-drained soil, preferably with a high humus content, although less fertile soil is also suitable. Pruning is performed only when it is necessary to remove dry or damaged branches.

Location

Requires a place in the open sun.

Temperature

Caesalpinia is recommended to grow in the ground in a warm climate. In the conditions of a moderately cold zone, they survive only when sheltered, in a protected place, but do not bloom and thus lose their main advantage.

Watering

It is necessary only for young plants immediately after planting in the ground and during periods of prolonged drought.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds in spring in seed soil. Grown seedlings are transplanted into pots one at a time and kept in the fresh air or planted in the open ground in a protected place until they are finally transplanted in 2-3 years.

Diseases

There is cancer of branches (part of the plant dies), caused by the fungus Botrysphaeria dothidea. The affected parts should be cut off and burned. When growing in waterlogged soil, the root system rotts. This can be prevented by ensuring good drainage.

Acquisition

Caesalpinia can be found in well-stocked horticultural centers and specialized nurseries. Because of their rapid growth, it is recommended to buy small plants that are easier to plant on a permanent planting site. Choose strong compact and well-formed specimens.