Grows in full sun with regular summer water. Likely hardy to temperatures down into the high 20s (27F reported from Florida). Noted as extremely showy in bloom, usually in late summer to fall in locations that have enough heat to bloom this plant, but we have NEVER seen or heard of it blooming in California. The limiting factor that may be preventing this plant from blooming in California could be the lack of sustained warm temperatures.

The tree is native to the western coast of Madagascar where it is listed as "near threatened" on the IUCN red list. It was first collected by the Czech/Austrian botanist Wenceslas Bojer in 1824 who returned and raised plants from seed at Mauritius before sending them on to Europe. He named the genus to honor Sir Charles Colville, a Scottish officer who served under Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars and he later became Governor of Mauritius and it was he who with Bojer was on the trip of discovery (his second) to Madagascar. The species was officially described in 1834 in the Botanical Magazine with William Hooker explicitly stating that Bojer be the author of the description, though in later references the author is sometimes listed as Bojer ex Hook. 

The information about Colvillea racemosa displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.