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Cordia sebestina, Geiger Tree

Geiger Tree grows and flowers best in full sun and tolerates sandy, alkaline soils and direct salt spray. Do not plant where there is the slightest danger of frost. Geiger Tree is quite salt- and brackish-water tolerant, making it ideal for use in coastal landscapes as a free-standing specimen, patio or framing tree. Fruit litters the ground and can become a nuisance in certain instances. Pollen can cause mild allergies.

Multi-trunked trees can split apart as they grow older. Prune to one trunk for a longer lasting tree, especially along streets. Cordia sebestena is very sensitive to the cold and can only be grown in areas without frost and freezing temperatures. It can be planted in an above-ground container and kept looking nice for a number of years when it is carefully maintained. Trees are tolerant of urban conditions and have performed well as street trees.

Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches to reduce competition with turf. Remove some branches so they will not touch each other. Remove some secondary branches from main branches (especially those toward the end of the main branches) if main branches have included bark. This reduces the likelihood of main branches splitting from the tree later when it has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful flowers. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located.

Occurs in the Caribbean Islands and is probably naturalized in Florida. Plant is endangered in Florida.

National champion is 24 x 19 feet in Florida.