When does Cordia sebestena bloom?

Cordia sebestena typically flowers from March through August, with clusters of orange blooms appearing most heavily in the warmer months.

What pollinators visit Cordia sebestena flowers?

The bright orange flowers attract butterflies and bees, which visit for nectar throughout the bloom season.

How much water does this tree need?

Once established, Cordia sebestena tolerates low water conditions well and prefers soil that drains freely rather than staying wet.

How much sun does Cordia sebestena require?

This tree grows best in full sun but can adapt to part sun locations, producing fewer flowers in lower light.

What climate does Cordia sebestena grow in?

It grows well in warm, frost-sensitive coastal and subtropical climates where temperatures rarely drop near freezing.

Is Geiger Tree HOA-friendly?

Geiger Tree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Geiger Tree

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cordia sebestena

Last reviewed: October 2026

Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) is a perennial tree. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw butterflies and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

180"–360" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

Native alternatives to Geiger Tree

Geiger Tree is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Try it with your yard

Largeleaf geigertree is a small to medium-sized tree with broad, fuzzy leaves and clusters of bright orange tubular flowers that bloom for most of the year. This slow-growing tree develops an attractive rounded canopy and thrives in coastal conditions with minimal water needs. The showy orange blooms make it an attractive ornamental choice.

Growing Geiger Tree

Grow Geiger Tree in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Geiger Tree takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The tubular orange flowers attract butterflies and provide nectar for bees throughout the extended blooming season. This tree serves as both a nectar source and host plant for various native pollinators.

Common questions

When does Cordia sebestena bloom?: Cordia sebestena typically flowers from March through August, with clusters of orange blooms appearing most heavily in the warmer months.
What pollinators visit Cordia sebestena flowers?: The bright orange flowers attract butterflies and bees, which visit for nectar throughout the bloom season.
How much water does this tree need?: Once established, Cordia sebestena tolerates low water conditions well and prefers soil that drains freely rather than staying wet.
How much sun does Cordia sebestena require?: This tree grows best in full sun but can adapt to part sun locations, producing fewer flowers in lower light.
What climate does Cordia sebestena grow in?: It grows well in warm, frost-sensitive coastal and subtropical climates where temperatures rarely drop near freezing.
Is Geiger Tree HOA-friendly?: Geiger Tree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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