Hildegardia (Hildegardia barteri)
Hildegardia barteri is a massive, fast-growing flowering tree from Western Africa, known for its low-maintenance needs and striking orange-red blooms.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hildegardia barteri is a truly monumental, fast-growing deciduous tree native to the dry tropical forests of Western Africa. It commands attention in the landscape, capable of reaching heights between 80 and 100 feet, often developing impressive buttresses near the base. This species is highly valued for its impressive scale and striking appearance during its flowering cycle.
This magnificent specimen blooms primarily during the dry season, preceding the emergence of new foliage, carpeting the tree with vibrant orange-red, tubular flowers. Because Hildegardia barteri is generally low-maintenance and quick to establish—often flowering just two years after germination—it offers significant aesthetic rewards for subtropical growers who can meet its specific cultural needs.
Beyond its aesthetic contribution as a spectacular flowering tree, Hildegardia offers functional benefits; the fibers and seeds of this Hildegardia barteri have noted ethnobotanical uses. Gardeners in appropriate tropical zones should consider incorporating this dramatic, large-scale Hildegardia specimen.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Native Range: Western Africa
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 12-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 80-100 ft
- Spread: 50-70 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Orange-red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The Hildegardia barteri thrives when planted in full sun, which is critical for robust flowering and overall health. Ideal soil composition leans toward sandy or rocky substrates, provided they are well-draining. While it tolerates dry conditions once established, initial establishment requires somewhat more consistent moisture.
Cultural success hinges upon mimicking its native dry tropical environment. A crucial aspect of care involves ensuring the tree undergoes a dry dormant period during winter months, even in Zone 12 climates. Avoid overly saturated soils, especially during this resting phase, as Soggy conditions can quickly lead to root issues.
Maintenance for mature Hildegardia is considered low. Fertilization is generally unnecessary unless soil fertility is extremely poor. Pruning should be minimal, primarily focused on removing deadwood or managing lower branches if clearance is needed beneath the massive canopy; avoid heavy renovation pruning.
Landscape Uses
As a superb flowering specimen tree, one of the primary roles for Hildegardia barteri is as a dramatic focal point in large tropical landscapes. Its rapid growth rate and height make it an excellent choice for structuring vertical elements early in a garden’s development or providing high canopy shade where space allows for its substantial 50- to 70-foot spread.
This large tree serves best when positioned where its seasonal flush of orange-red flowers can be fully appreciated, perhaps viewed over lower plantings. When deciding where to plant your Hildegardia, ensure ample room is left for the development of its imposing trunk and buttresses.
Due to its size and specific tropical requirements, companion plantings should be restricted to other drought-tolerant, sun-loving tropical species that do not compete heavily for root space near the parent tree.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hildegardia barteri is a large, diciduous tree native to dry tropical forests of western Africa. Mature specimens can reach up to 100’ tall with large buttresses and smooth, green-grey bark. The leaves are cordate in shape and can reach up to 8” long. Bright orange-red, 0.75” long, tubular flowers bloom in terminal panicles during the dry season before the new leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by papery samaras that contain a single seed. This tree is fast-growing and will flower two years after germinating. It has many ethnobotanical uses, including making fiber, household goods, and as a living fence. The seeds are also edible.The genus name Hildegardia honors Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a German abbess, writer, composer, natural philosopher, and mystic.The specific epithet barteri honors Charles Barter (?-1859), English plant collector and horticulturist
Tolerances
Potential Problems
The main concern regarding the cultivation of Hildegardia barteri is its susceptibility to cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV). Growers should monitor the tree for any signs of viral infection, especially if growing near known host species. Otherwise, this species is generally reported as being free of common pest and disease issues typical for many other ornamental trees.
Vigilance against CSSV is the most critical preventative measure. Currently, there aren’t widely documented chemical controls for this systemic virus; therefore, scouting and removing infected material quickly is paramount to protecting healthy specimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Hildegardia suitable for?
Hildegardia barteri is extremely tropical, hardy only in USDA Zones 12 and above, requiring frost-free conditions year-round.
How large does Hildegardia barteri grow?
This tree is large, reaching heights between 80 and 100 feet tall, with a corresponding spread of 50 to 70 feet wide at maturity.
When does Hildegardia bloom?
This species is a seasonal bloomer, producing vibrant orange-red, tubular flowers primarily during the dry season, often before the canopy leafs out.
What sun exposure does Hildegardia need?
Hildegardia barteri requires full sun exposure to develop optimally and produce its best seasonal blooms.
Conclusion
The Hildegardia offers exceptional scale, rapid establishment, and a spectacular seasonal floral display for gardeners located in USDA Zone 12. Its low-maintenance needs paired with its unique tropical structure make Hildegardia barteri an invaluable centerpiece for expansive subtropical gardens. Before planting, confirm your local microclimate remains reliably frost-free throughout the winter months to ensure the survival of this magnificent tree.
Propagation Tips
Propagation of Hildegardia barteri is successfully achieved through the seed contained within its papery samaras. After the flowers age, collect the samaras and allow them to dry slightly further if necessary before extraction. Successful germination occurs best when seeds are sown promptly in the sandy, well-draining media preferred by the mature trees.
Because this species is reported to flower just two years after germination, starting new trees from seed is a practical method for landscape propagation. Ensure the growing medium is kept moist but not waterlogged during the germination phase, particularly as rapid establishment is one of the notable characteristics of this genus.
Companion Planting
When integrating Hildegardia barteri into a landscape, select companions that share its affinity for well-draining, sandy, or rocky soils and robust sun exposure. Look towards other drought-tolerant tropical native species that can handle the eventual profound shade cast by the mature 100-foot canopy.
Plants suited for the understory should ideally be tolerant of dry shade once the Hildegardia reaches significant size, focusing on strong root systems that do not aggressively compete directly at the base. Avoid species requiring consistently moist or heavy clay soils, as these conditions clash directly with the preferred dry to medium water needs of this Malvaceae member.
