summate some tropical elan with this bush you may treat as an annual in moth-eaten climates .
It ’s not only the time of its bloom in late summer and flow when many other plants have ceased blooming that hit the golden jaundiced flowers of Zea mays everta cassia stand out . Native to Africa , this plant gets its common name from the scent of its foliation which gives off the scent of buttered popcorn when rubbed .
Zea mays everta cassia is easy to grow as an one-year or perennial . In tropic region , it will form a multi - stem shrub . It is a colorful and welcome gain to both tropical and temperate landscapes . Its heyday pull in butterflies , louse , and birds feed on the ambrosia . The plant is toxic to humans and pet .
Here is how to grow this striking tropical industrial plant .
Where to Plant Popcorn Cassia
If you live inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 - 11 , you’re able to grow Zea mays everta cassia as a recurrent or multi - stem bush . Plant it in full sun and well - run out soil with a inert pH. Whether you embed it in landscape bed or alongside other shrub , give it room to thrive . It is a great flora for adding interest to a lusterless recess of the landscape or anchoring an island planting in the fall . In warm climates , popcorn cassia is especially striking when implant alongside bananas or other plants with dark green leaves .
In nerveless climates , enjoy Zea mays everta cassia as an wanton - to - grow yearly in containers .
Because of its peak , popcorn cassia works well as athriller flora in a sundry container , coalesce with mid - sized or low - growing , trail plant .
How and When to Plant Popcorn Cassia
Plant popcorn cassia after all danger of hoar is retiring . For a potted nursery industrial plant , drudge a trap that is about 1.5 time as wide as the deal and has the same depth . Place the works in the hole and backfill with the original soil . pack it down and water it immediately . Keep watering the plant until it is established .
you could also implant Zea mays everta cassia from seed , either directly out of doors or indoors ( see How to Propagate Popcorn Cassia below ) .
blank space plants 2 feet apart . If you live in zones 9 - 11 where Zea mays everta cassia is grow as a recurrent , impale is helpful .
Popcorn Cassia Care Tips
Light
Popcorn cassia needsfull sunto thrive .
Soil and Water
The soil should be robust , moist , andwell - enfeeble , with apH in the electroneutral range ( 6.6 to 7.5 ) .
In the absence of rainwater , water the plant regularly .
Temperature and Humidity
In live and humid atmospheric condition , the plants grow quickly and unfurl many new leave and flower stems . But when temperatures fall below 80 ° F , the growth slows down significantly . Zea mays everta cassia does tolerate a clear frost .
In cold regions , overwinter it indoors in a nursery or a bright window . Bring the works inside when nighttime temperatures are in the mellow XXX .
Fertilizer
The industrial plant does best in fat , fertile soil so if the soil is poor , amend it with constitutional matter and fertilize with a complete , balanced fertilizer a duo of times during the growing season .
Pruning
Pruning , if at all , is done after plant has finish bloom . you could snip it softly for a more thickset growth ; however , this might detain a repeat blooming .
Potting and Repotting Popcorn Cassia
Popcorn cassia does well in a container . Choose a container that has tumid drain holes and is about 4 column inch larger in diameter than the root system to allow for future ontogenesis . Because the plant catch quite tall , placing some pebbles or rocks at the bottom of the container adds to the stability of the pot so it does not tumble over easily . satiate the container with well - enfeeble potting mix . Container - mature flora require more frequent lacrimation , on blistering summer days at least day by day , and also more fertilization .
Pests and Problems
The industrial plant does not have any substantial pests or disease issues . Poorly drain grime can lead to root rot . Deer usually exit it alone , too .
How to Propagate Popcorn Cassia
you could start popcorn cassia from seed or propagate it with arooted newspaper clipping . Seeds will pullulate more pronto when overcharge in water for 24 hour . Sow seed shallowly indoorsin February or March and hold back until all risk of frost has pass along before planting the seedling outdoors .
Popcorn Cassia Companion Plants
Elephant’s Ear
In a warm climate huge sorry - green leaf and sheer vein pattern ofelephant earsform an likeable contrast to the bright scandalmongering flowers of Zea mays everta cassia . It grows up to 8 feet tall . geographical zone 10 - 11
Dahlia
Amplify the bluff yellow flowers of popcorn cassia by pairing it with orange and magentadahlias . Dahlias are audacious in warm regions , but can be saved year after year in colder arena by digging up the genus Tuber in the fall and replant them in the spring . Zone 8 - 10
Verbena
Just like Zea mays everta cassia , purpletop vervain ( Verbena bonariensis)can be grown as an annual or a recurrent , depending on the clime . It is a magniloquent , purple - blossom prairie - type verbena that jubilantly reseeds in the garden . zona 7 - 9
Frequently Asked Questions
Zea mays everta cassia is not think invasive but there is a look alike , another member of theSennagenus ( Senna pendulavar.glabrata)that is an encroaching works in central and south Florida . It has the potential to unfold to wild areas , displacing aboriginal species . When purchasing popcorn cassia , make your leverage from a reputable baby’s room and cautiously check the plant ticket before buy to secure it isSenna didymobotrya .
No , it is not edible ; in fact , the plant life is toxic to human race and pets .
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Plant Profile : Popcorn Plant . Minnesota State Horticultural Society .
