Family: Bombacaceae

Native to the tropical Americas, this genus consists of around 20 species of medium-sized trees, with large flowers in white, red or purple.

Species

P. ellipticum, shaving brush tree, from Central America, grows to 9 m (30 ft) and has interesting, greenish gray bark. The white to pink flowers appear on bare branches in spring, before the leaves. Many stamens extend beyond the flower petals, giving the shaving brush effect.

P. grandiflorum, from Brazil, grows to about 40 m (130 ft), with deep purple-red flowers.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow as foliage plants in pots in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. It is unlikely they will flower under glass. Use soil-based potting compost, and provide maximum light. Outdoors these trees need sun and deep, well-drained soil with a high organic content.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.