Cassia Bicapularis (3 Gallon)

When the cooler months roll in and most blooms are fading, Cassia bicapsularis, lovingly called Christmas Senna, steals the show. With golden-yellow flowers that burst into bloom in late fall and early winter, this cheerful shrub brings bright, sunny joy just when we need it most. It’s a pollinator favorite, a cold-season beauty, and a wonderful reminder that color and life still thrive in the quieter seasons.

Plant History:
Native to the tropical Americas, Cassia bicapsularis has long been grown in Southern gardens as a seasonal showstopper. It’s affectionately called Christmas Senna due to its joyful, yellow blooms that often appear just in time for the holidays—brightening landscapes when other plants are at rest.

What It Signifies:
This plant symbolizes cheer, hope, and celebration—making it a beautiful reminder of joy during the year’s darker months. Its late-season blooms invite us to look for beauty in unexpected moments.

Maximum Height:
Can grow 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, creating a lovely large shrub or small ornamental tree when mature.

Bloom Time:
Blooms in late fall through early winter, often around Thanksgiving and Christmas—hence the name.

Where It Grows Best:
Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Best suited for Zones 9–11, but can be grown in large containers and brought indoors in cooler climates.

Care Instructions:

• Water regularly when first planted; once established, it’s drought-tolerant.

• Prune after flowering to shape and encourage fuller growth.

• Mulch around the base to protect roots in cooler temperatures.

• Provide a protected spot or cover during unexpected frosts, as it can be tender below 30°F.

Complimentary Plants:
Pairs beautifully with other fall and winter bloomers like Camellias, Muhly Grass, and Pansies. It also stands out as a backdrop for Snapdragons or Ornamental Kale in winter flower beds.