Ceiba insignis

white silk-floss tree
Bottle-trunk tree is covered in spikes. Semi-deciduous crown often drops leaves in fall to display hibiscus-like white flowers. Drought tolerant once mature; grows quickly with summer water.
height 20–40ft
width 15–35ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Occasional deep watering in summer will speed growth but tolerates drought once established.
hardy
to		 25F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing All Purpose
origin W South America
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 12–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Fertilizer will boost growth significantly. Can be transplanted at large sizes and tolerates root pruning.
Prefers a warm aspect in coastal zones, especially north of Santa Barbara.

Special Interest

Large football-shaped fruits split open to reveal fluffy “silk floss,“ profuse threads attached to the seeds that act as parachute-like agents of dispersal and have been used to stuff pillows. (Dandelion seeds disperse similarly.)