Gossypium arboreum – Tree Cotton, Ceylon Cotton, Indian Tree Cotton, Red Cotton

Description

Add a piece of living history to your property with Gossypium arboreum, widely recognized as Tree Cotton. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of India, this upright perennial shrub features attractive, deeply lobed dark green foliage set along sturdy reddish stems. It makes a stunning functional feature in heritage gardens, agricultural displays, and natural fiber collections.

During the blooming season, the plant produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that range from buttery yellow to deep purple-red, often marked with striking crimson centers. Once the flowers fade, decorative seed capsules open to reveal fluffy bursts of natural white cotton lint. Beyond its visual charm, this hardy species attracts beneficial pollinators while providing a fascinating look into traditional textile plants.

Gossypium arboreum seeds germinate best in full sun exposure and warm, frost-free growing conditions. They thrive in well-draining sandy or loamy soils and demonstrate great resilience against hot weather and dry spells once established. This plant performs exceptionally well as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, or as a unique summer annual in cooler regions.