Chorisia
Floss Silk Tree
Malvaceae
Deciduous, Evergreen, Trees, Flowers
A heavy, spine-studded trunkand clouds of large, showy flowershave firmly embedded thisSouth American native in SouthernCalifornia horticulture. Itsleaves are divided into leafletslike fingers of a hand, droppingduring autumn flowering orwhenever temperatures fallbelow 27°F (–3°C). Bloomsresemble narrow-petaled hibiscusflowers.
Fast drainage and controlledwatering are keys to success.Irrigate established trees aboutonce a month during growingseason; ease off in late summerto encourage more flowers.Prune only to remove waywardor dead growth.
Grows 3–5 ft. a yearfor first few years, then moreslowly to an eventual 30–60 ft.tall and wide. Pink, purplishrose, or burgundy flowers are4 in. or more across. Graftedvarieties include ‘Los AngelesBeautiful’, with wine red flowers;and ‘Pink Princess’, a dwarfhybrid that grows 12 ft. high.
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