Cassia grandis – Pink Shower Tree

Description

Cassia grandis – Pink Shower Tree

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 8 seeds

Description

Pink Shower Tree, Cassia grandis, is a tropical American flowering tree admired for its spectacular hanging sprays of pink to rose-coloured blossoms. As the tree flowers, large clusters can create a soft canopy of colour above its graceful foliage.

This species forms a substantial shade tree in favourable warm climates. Its pinnate leaves and long seed pods provide interest after the main flowering display.

Key Features

• Flowers: Generous hanging racemes in shades of pink, sometimes deepening with age.
• Foliage: Broad, pinnate leaves with paired leaflets.
• Habit: Tropical shade and feature tree with an open, spreading crown.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun for strong growth and flowering.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained ground; do not leave young roots waterlogged.
• Climate: Best in tropical and warm subtropical gardens; protect young trees from frost.
• Care: Provide generous space, water during establishment and prune lightly for a sound branch structure.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Lightly nick or abrade the hard outer seed coat, avoiding the embryo, then soak in lukewarm water overnight.
2. Sow: Plant roughly 10 mm deep in fresh, free-draining seed-raising mix.
3. Germinate: Maintain steady warmth and even moisture, not wet conditions.
4. Pot on: Move into individual pots when sturdy seedlings have formed, taking care with the developing taproot.

Growing Note

This species is recorded as introduced to Queensland. Check local planting suitability, especially near bushland or waterways.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.