Saraca asoca ( Named after great king 'Ashoka' )(the ashoka tree; lit., "sorrow-less") is a plant belonging to the Detarioideae subfamily of the legume family. It is an important tree in the cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent and adjacent areas. It is sometimes incorrectly known as Saraca indica. The flower of Ashoka tree is the state flower of Indian state of Odisha.
The Ashoka tree has good resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger plants generally do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. The Ashoka tree is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Saraca Asoca.
Light
The Ashoka tree is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, demonstrating its versatile, hardy nature.
Water
The Ashoka tree, native to the humid regions of South Asia, thrives best in environments with consistent moisture. It benefits from being watered weekly. Unlike many deciduous plants that undergo significant dormancy, the Ashoka tree requires regular watering throughout the year. It is well-suited for outdoor cultivation, as it flourishes in natural humidity and maintains its water needs consistently.
Temperature
The Ashoka tree comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady temperature, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically cannot endure cold and needs relatively high temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature drops too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize an Ashoka tree is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
To help the Ashoka tree thrive, pruning in early spring is essential. This encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches, and thin out the canopy to improve air circulation. This practice not only aids the tree's recovery but also enhances its appearance and maintains its structural integrity, contributing to a healthy and attractive garden environment.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Saraca
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 9.14 m
- Mature Spread
- 9.14 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Orange, Red
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan
Other names.
