Ylang Ylang Flowering Trees for Sale

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on May 18, 2022

Planting instructions

If you want your ylang ylang flowering tree to show its best ornamental characteristics, you should prioritize planting locations that have full sun exposure and freely-draining soils. Full sun allows for better and more numerous blooms, while soil drainage prevents this plant from sitting in excessive moisture, which will cause it to decline. When growing this plant outdoors, give it plenty of room to grow into its mature size. For those in colder zones, plant your ylang ylang flowering tree in a large container so that you can overwinter it and protect it from freezing weather.

Watering and nutrients

Ylang ylang flowering trees require soil moisture but do not tolerate waterlogged soils. As such, you should decide your watering frequency by checking the soil rather than following a strict, pre-set schedule. Observe when the first layers of soil have become completely dry, then supply water. You should provide fertilizer about once every month during the active growing period. General-purpose fertilizers may work, but those lower in nitrogen are often better as they don’t encourage foliage development over flowering.

Pollination

Ylang ylang flowering trees usually begin blooming in the springtime, opening the opportunity for pollination. These flowers use their nectar supply and their attractive fragrance to invite some interesting pollinator species. In their native range, one of the most interesting pollinators is the nocturnal moth. In response, the ylang ylang flowering tree puts out its strongest fragrance between sunset and sunrise. During that period, the nocturnal moth is active and can conduct pollination for the plant, which leads to groups of black fruits.

Pruning

Pruning is an important practice for the ylang ylang flowering tree because this species can become unruly when left to its own devices. Fortunately, you can perform pruning at just about any time of year. When you prune, aim to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant. You can also use your pruning cuts to thin the canopy, allowing for better air circulation and a more attractive overall growth habit. Pruning can also be an effective response to the arrival of pests and diseases.

Pests, diseases, and animals

Pest and disease issues are not frequent occurrences for ylang ylang flowering trees. However, it is possible for them to occur. When an infestation occurs, it is often the result of stem borers or other insects that attack the leaves, stems, or flowers of the plant. The more prevalent animal problem with this plant relates to its fruits. When the plant bears fruits, many birds may eat the fruits and disperse the seeds. This interaction can lead to the ylang ylang tree taking over more territory than you might wish.

Achieving maximum results

One of the most prized aspects of the ylang ylang flowering tree is its smell. These scents are very pleasing to both humans and pollinator species. If you want your ylang ylang flowering tree to have a stronger scent, you should ensure that the air humidity is somewhat high, similar to this tree’s natural growing range. But despite this love for humidity, the ylang ylang flowering tree remains intolerant of excessively moist soil conditions and slow drainage.

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