Ceiba pentandra
Kapok, White silk cotton tree, Giant kapok, Lupuna
Also known as Bombax pentandrum
- Height × spread
- 50m × 50m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is an impressive, extremely handsome tropical tree that is the source of kapok. It makes a massive buttressed specimen, up to 50m (160ft) high with an immense spreading crown so its breadth is equivalent to its height. The bark is often spiny but looks light and clean. There are small creamy flowers from creamy buds, and then, seedpods, around 15cm (6in) long, elliptic, which contain the kapok. These split open when they ripen and release the kapok to the world. Tree is seen as a specimen across the tropics. It is not hardy in Britain and Ireland.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 50m
- Spread
- 50m
- Height in 10 years
- 12m
- Spread in 10 years
- 12m
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.