Geiger

Whether you choose the orange, white (Cordia boissieri) or yellow-flowering Geiger (Cordia lutea), these trees will put on a glorious show of color and work in just about any size yard. The orange variety is a hummingbird attracter. The Geiger is low-maintenance as long as it's planted in a frost-free area sheltered from winter winds. Its high salt tolerance makes it a perfect small flowering tree for homes on or near the beach.

No soil amendments are needed for this tree. Water regularly after planting, and during dry spells once it's established. Cut it back in spring (late March or early April) to keep it the size you want, and trim branch ends anytime during warm weather to promote bushiness. Fertilize: three times a year once each in spring, summer and autumn with a good quality granular fertilizer. Supplement feedings with bone meal to promote heavy bloom. Plant Spacing: The Geiger tree should be place no closer than 10 feet from the house to let the crown fill out nicely. If you're planting a row of these trees, space them 6 to 8 feet apart. Geiger’s will work in containers or planters while young.

A Geiger tree grows at a moderate pace to 15 to 20 feet - the white Geiger only gets about 10 to 15 feet. It prefers a full to partial sun location, though it will grow in part shade. These trees can grow as multi-trunk specimens, but it's best to buy a single-trunk tree so it will grow stronger. Geiger’s don't like the cold. If the area where you live gets frost, don't plant a Geiger tree. Frost can damage and even kill it. Established ones might stand a chance of recovery but young trees will die. They do best in Zone 10B, or warmer regions of Zone 10A, especially if placed in an area out of the wind. They're evergreen but temps below 40 degrees may cause some leaf drop. Geiger’s are drought-tolerant once established, as well as salt-tolerant.