Shaving Brush Tree Plant Care

Shaving Brush Tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Pseudobombax genus. Shaving Brush Tree is also known as Red Coton Tree, Cotton Tree.

Shaving Brush Tree displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Shaving Brush Tree produces large, showy, colorful flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shaving Brush Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Shaving Brush Tree thrives in full sun.

Pseudobombax ellipticum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Shaving Brush Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Shaving Brush Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shaving Brush Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shaving Brush Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Shaving Brush Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Shaving Brush Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Shaving Brush Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Shaving Brush Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to argentine silk floss tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Shaving Brush Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Shaving Brush Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Shaving Brush Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.