The Story
Plant Bio
Cochlospermum fraseri is a deciduous large shrub or slender tree native to northwestern Australia, growing on rocky hillsides and open woodlands. It sheds its foliage entirely during the dry season, producing terminal panicles of large, bright golden yellow flowers on bare branches.
The new foliage emerges with distinct waxy pinkish-yellow or bronze tones before maturing to light green. The asymmetric flowers feature five sepals and a dense cluster of prominent central stamens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
275 inches
Width
157 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
10
Water
Low
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Moderate to Long
Native To
Northwestern Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Autumn – Spring
In flower about 7 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with rapid drainage, such as a rocky slope or sandy loam bed.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth to prevent sinking.
- Position the plant, backfill with native soil without adding organic matter, and water in thoroughly to settle.
- Withhold supplemental watering once established, allowing the plant to follow natural seasonal dry cycles.
Pro Tip
Do not water this species during its dry-season dormancy; artificial irrigation when the plant is leafless prevents natural flowering and can cause root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings once established.
- Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot during wet periods.
Don't
- Do not water during the dry season when the plant has dropped its leaves.
- Avoid heavy pruning into old, leafless wood as recovery is slow and patchy.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Kapok Bush questions
What zones can Kapok Bush grow in?
Kapok Bush is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Kapok Bush bloom?
Kapok Bush typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Kapok Bush need full sun?
Kapok Bush does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Kapok Bush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Kapok Bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Kapok Bush 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.