Popcorn Senna
Cassia didymobotrya 'Popcorn Cassia'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
96 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern Africa
Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Senna didymobotrya, commonly known as popcorn cassia, is known for its attractive feathery foliage that smells like buttered popcorn and clusters of bright yellow flowers. This plant is praised for its unique fragrance and feathery leaves, making it a favorite in landscape design.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall into larger containers.
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods to promote healthy growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
- Prune lightly to shape and remove dead or damaged branches in late winter.
Pro Tip
Use warm, well-drained soil and full sun for vigorous growth and flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Prune lightly to maintain shape and health
- Use balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in shady areas, reducing flowering
- Neglect pruning, leading to leggy growth
- Forget to mulch, risking soil moisture loss
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Popcorn Senna questions
What zones can Popcorn Senna grow in?
Popcorn Senna is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Popcorn Senna deer resistant?
Yes — Popcorn Senna is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Popcorn Senna bloom?
Popcorn Senna typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Popcorn Senna need full sun?
Popcorn Senna does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Popcorn Senna drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Popcorn Senna handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Popcorn Senna with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
