Brownea (Brownea coccinea subsp. capitella)

Overview

The Brownea coccinea subsp. capitella, often referred to generally as Brownea, is a captivating addition to any tropical landscape, renowned for its spectacular display of deep red, intensely tubular flowers that appear seasonally. This broadleaf evergreen tree, native to Guyana and Venezuela, offers structural beauty even when not in bloom, thanks to its spreading canopy and distinct foliage. Gardeners prize this species for its relatively low maintenance requirements coupled with its high aesthetic impact.

Mature specimens provide excellent shade and tropical ambiance, reaching moderate heights ideal for specimen planting within frost-free environments. The eye-catching flower clusters attract local hummingbirds and butterflies, making the Brownea coccinea subsp. Capitella a valuable asset for supporting local wildlife in warm climates. Its robust nature, provided correct tropical culture is applied, ensures lasting beauty in the garden.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Fabaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Guyana, Venezuela
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 15-25 ft
  • Spread: 12-15 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Brownea coccinea subsp. Capitella thrives when established in a location receiving full sun to open part shade. This tree requires rich, humusy soils that retain adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged. Ensure placement respects its mature spread, allowing room for its broad canopy to develop naturally. Ideal settings are consistently warm, as it is only hardy in tropical Zones 12 and above, making frost protection essential outside its native range.

Maintenance for this Brownea is generally low once established. Provide medium water needs consistently, aiming for evenly moist soil conditions throughout the year. Avoid letting the roots dry out, especially during dry spells in tropical weather, but also ensure sharp drainage to prevent root issues. Little formal pruning is usually required, though deadwood or crossing branches can be removed to maintain shape.

As a tropical species, focus your efforts on protecting it from cold snaps. If grown near the outer limits of its hardiness range in Zone 10, ensure structures or covers are available to mitigate unexpected dips in temperature. Fertilize lightly according to standard practices for tropical flowering trees to encourage robust seasonal blooming of the red flowers.

Landscape Uses

The primary role of Brownea coccinea subsp. Capitella in the landscape is as a magnificent flowering specimen tree. In tropical gardens, its substantial height (up to 25 ft) and broad spread make it an excellent focal point, drawing the eye with its vibrant red terminal flower clusters. It performs beautifully when planted as a standalone feature tree where its entire form can be appreciated.

For large estates or botanical collections, this Brownea can anchor borders or be used to create dramatic accents near entryways. Because its cultural needs align with many other tropical beauties—rich, moist soil and bright light—it pairs well with large shrubs and palms that share similar exposure requirements, though care must be taken not to let competing plants overshadow its lower canopy. Where space is extremely limited, it can be successfully cultivated as a towering specimen within large greenhouses, meeting its cultural needs year-round.

• Flower Qualities
  • Showy
• Fruit Qualities
• Noteworthy Characteristics Brownea coccinea subsp. Capitella, commonly known as rose of Venezuela or scarlet flame bean, is a small evergreen tree native to wooded valleys and other low elevation areas of northern Brazil, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Mature specimens will reach up to 25’ tall with a spreading canopy up to 35’ wide; however, it may only reach 15’ tall in cultivation. The compound leaves emerge a light color—pink to brown—and appear limp before maturing to green and turgid foliage, followed by seasonal blooms of 25-30 bright red, tubular flowers attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. The genus name honors physician Patrick Browne, while the specific epithet coccinea refers directly to the flower color.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

One significant advantage of cultivating Brownea coccinea subsp. Capitella lies in its remarkable resistance to common landscape issues. No major pest or disease problems have been widely reported for this species, supporting its assessment as a low-maintenance selection. This generally means that preventative spraying or intensive monitoring programs are unnecessary for responsible gardeners.

If deficiencies do appear, they are usually related to improper environmental conditions rather than primary susceptibility to attack. Ensure the rich, humusy soil requirements are met, as nutrient stress can sometimes mimic pest damage or reduce flowering vigor. Maintaining consistent moisture and excellent drainage are the best management strategies for keeping your Brownea healthy and vigorous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Brownea suitable for?

The Brownea coccinea subsp. capitella is best suited for tropical environments, thriving specifically in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12.

How large does Brownea coccinea subsp. Capitella grow?

In optimal garden settings, this tree typically reaches a mature height between 15 and 25 feet, with a spread ranging from 12 to 15 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Brownea need?

This tree performs best when sited in full sun to part shade, making it versatile for various locations within a tropical garden space.

When does Brownea bloom?

The Brownea offers a spectacular presentation when it blooms seasonally, displaying brilliant red flowers.

Conclusion

The Brownea coccinea subsp. capitella stands out as a premium specimen tree for tropical gardeners seeking low-maintenance color. Its unique red floral display and attractive evergreen foliage ensure visual interest throughout the year in suitable climates. Before planting, confirm your location falls within Zones 10-12 and plan for a rich, well-drained site to fully realize the potential of this outstanding Brownea.

Wildlife Benefits

The vibrant red, tubular flowers of the Brownea coccinea subsp. capitella are specifically structured to attract nectar-feeding wildlife. The large clusters of bright red blossoms act as a beacon for hummingbirds, which are key pollinators in tropical ecosystems. Planting this tree near natural areas can effectively draw these quick-moving avian visitors into your garden space.

Furthermore, the presence of these nectar sources supports the local butterfly population, adding dynamic movement and color to the landscape. By providing these reliable seasonal resources, cultivating a Brownea not only enhances your garden’s design but also actively contributes to local biodiversity support.

Container Growing

While Brownea coccinea subsp. Capitella is often appreciated for its landscape size, greenhouse growers or those in marginally suitable zones can successfully manage it in large containers. Success hinges entirely on providing a sufficiently large pot to accommodate the extensive root system required for a tree that matures between 15 and 25 feet tall. Use a high-quality, rich potting mix amended heavily with organic material to mimic its preferred humusy soil.

Watering becomes more critical when growing any large tree in a container, even if it only requires medium water needs naturally. Containers dry out far faster than in-ground soil, so monitor moisture daily during warm periods to ensure the soil remains evenly moist, aligning with the requirements for this Brownea. Drastic root restriction or prolonged dryness can severely impact its ability to produce its seasonal red blooms.