I like them too. I have fond memories of them in full bloom at this time of year in NYC. As I understand it, they had gone thought something of a blight in the East so many of them went into decline. I never saw them being sold in garden centers locally until very recently (just as you would never see that other "weed" tree, Ailanthus "tree of heaven" being sold). I don't have a place for one now so in its place I am growing the tropical Royal Poinciana which it resembles in foliage. The only thing that I dislike about this tree is that it it leafs out sooooo late--like June!

njoasis, Is your Royal Poinciana planted outside? I didnt think they were hardy here. I have some seeds I am getting ready to start, but thought I had to bring them inside over winter?

ltbdesigns, They grow like crazy around here, they are everywhere. Maybe you dont notice them because you miss their bloom time? I fell in love with them too when I was little, my friend had one in her backyard..loved those blooms. I have a couple I started from seed over winter..Veeerrry slow growing, dont know if it's worth it to start them from seed. I bet if you drove around and looked you may find some in the wild you could pull up and bring home, here in Middlesex county, they are everywhere.

There is a city tree that is vigorous and something of a pest called the emperor tree, that has beautiful violet blooms high up. It is quite common, and like Ailanthus, is ready to take over. Cannot recall proper name. Trees you see, as you walk or drive, may well belong to some property owner, and are not just for the taking, but Mimosa tends to be all over and so an owner might be happy to let you dig one. There is a neat, dark one called 'Chocolate' being marketed.

Daniellalell, Poinciana is a tropical tree but easily containerized. Mine overwinters indoors. Do keep in mind that this is a tropical deciduous tree--it will drop its leaves in the fall and leaf out in the Spring. I hardly water it at all in during its "Winter" rest. The tree is native to a climate what sharp wet/dry seasons so it really wants to drop its foliage in the Fall (think mine changes yellow and drops leaves in about November). No, so far mine has not flowered in a container but I remain hopeful. They are FAST growers and quite easy! But do not overwinter when they are taking their Winter break. Cheers.

bogturtle, I didnt mean to take it off of someone's property, lol. I don't think anyone in their right mind would do that. Though I suppose lots of folks aren't 'in' their right minds. They grow wild all over in wooded areas, nature trails, along streams alot of times by weeping willows. Usually they have a bunch of babies popping up around them, just pop one up and bring it home.

Do you mean the Royal Empress Tree? They are beautiful.

njoasis, yes, I know they are tropical, you didnt mention it was in a container so I wasnt sure it was. I have so many tropical plants that need safe overwintering already, I dont know if I have room for even one more. But I SO want to grow the RP. How old is yours? I'll prob start my seeds over winter when I need something to baby.