Caesalpinia mexicana

Has anyone grown Caesalpinia mexicana? I've read that it may be hardy to around minus 7.



(http://toptropicals.com/cgi-bin/garden_catalog/cat.cgi?uid=Caesalpinia_mexicana)

 

I`ve got some seeds of italian Caesalpinia (didn`t know exicst) apparently can handle -4 c .....tryed 2 tropical variety before and die down to 3/2 c .

never heard of Caesalpinia mexicana , but if they are as easy to germinate like the normal Caesalpinia , I would have tryed already , but saying that , when we say hardy to -7 mexican c , that maybe mean a dry cold .

 

I can't get ANY Caesaplinia to grow so I applaud you if you can ...

 

Caesalpinia gillesei maybe Sal?
I think that you're correct about the dry cold though, which is why I asked if anyone had any experience of it.

Don't say that Victoria - I also have C.pulcherrima growing from seed

 

I managed to germinate caesalpinia gillesii and pulcherrima, but didn't get them to do anything useful like, flower. I think they croaked in their first winter.

 

I've been growing C. gilliesii on the west facing wall of the house for more than 10yrs now. Its fairly hardy, but needs heat and dry weather to flower well.
Not tried mexicana, but I have a feeling it might need similar conditions.#

I've tried pulcherrima but never got it past its first anniversary, that one need real heat.

 

Thanks for the tips (and encouragement) Pete. The seeds are coming free (along with some Allamanda seed) so I have nothing to lose.

 

We have had discussions about Caesalpinias many times here, Gillesii is the easiest but Like you and others Pete I have never managed to get Pulcherimma to grow. I've not tried Mexicana (yet).

 

Is it a heat issue? We can cater for that, but not a lack of strong sunlight.

I'm not sure how many seeds Andy will send, but if there are any spare I'll offer them here.

 

WhenI tried gowing it at work a couple of times neither heat or light was an issue, it just wouldn't grow more than 12" before withering away.
I would like to give Mexicana try if there is a spare seed or two.

 

I dont get around much these days, but the last time I saw C. pulcherimma was in Phoenix Arizona, it was getting full irrigation and 112F.
Not sure it would survive the winter there even, think it was just being used as a display.

 

That's the same trouble that I had with Bauhinia............

 

I guess that the common name of Pride Of Barbados is a bit of a clue! I'll give it my best shot anyway..............

 

Me also.