Re: Two Unique Trees - Chorisia, Brachychiton

Title: Re: Two Unique Trees - Chorisia, Brachychiton
Hello,
 
I just went to a nursery today and saw two very unusual trees.  One was Chorisia speciosa, floss silk tree, and the other was Brachychiton populneus.  Has anyone grown either of these or know about their care, etc?
 
I must have the Chorisia, (they only had this available in a 24 inch box - which will cost a pretty penny) - the nursery has one planted out front and it was so striking with its spined green trunk and green limbs.  It is just setting buds to flower.  The Brachychiton populneus, bottle tree, was available in a 5 gallon size.  If I remember correctly, I believe I saw a full grown Brachychiton at the Huntington gardens in Los Angeles a few years back and the huge bottle trunk was really spectacular.
 
There are so many wonderful plants out there.
 
Linda
Sunset Zone 9
 

Hi Linda

Indeed you have found two wonderful wonderful trees.  I have the brachychiton in front of my house and yes, you are correct, the Huntington has a little grove of them that is just adorable.  I am sure they have the Chorisia as well though I can't tell you exactly where.  Did you see a pink flowering Chorisia or a white flowering one?   Be sure you know which you want and which you are getting.  If ind that they are better to purchase in flower as then you can be sure about the color.  I recommended the pink to my mother several years ago and she purchased one out of bloom which turned out to be white.

If you live in any sizeable community with a good selection of nurseries, you should be able to find the Chorisia in smaller sizes.  A 15 gallon would be a good size...They do grow huge.  I saw one at a very old nursery that was at least 8 feet in diameter and taller than the two story building next door.  Had to have been close to 100 years old.

By the way, there is a wonderful street in the downtown area of Santa Barbara where pink Chorisias are planted as street trees.  They are quite large and form an arcaid over the street.  When they bloom, it is a stunning display.  I believe the street is Yanonali Street, quite close to the pier.


Have fun!
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Nan Sterman                     Plant Soup (TM)
PO Box 231034
Encinitas, CA 92023             760.634.2902 (voice)   
Talkingpoints@PlantSoup.Com     760.634.2957 (fax)

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