Cinnamon Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

40-60 Feet

Mature Spread

15-20 Feet

Growing Zones

3-11 patio / 9-11 outdoors

Cinnamon Tree has a tropical evergreen form, with glossy leaves, fragrant bark, and new foliage that often emerges with a pink-red tint. Cinnamomum verum, also known as true or Ceylon cinnamon, can reach 40 to 60 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide outdoors in warm climates. This species is valued for a fine, delicate flavor from the dried inner bark, which is the source of authentic cinnamon quills. In addition to being useful, this edible tree also looks handsome enough for a patio, sunroom, or warm-climate landscape.

Cinnamon Tree Care

Plant Cinnamon Tree outdoors in spring once nights stay warm, or grow it in a container where winters are cold. Position it in full sun to part shade, with afternoon shade helpful for young plants in hot areas. It prefers rich, well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0 to 7.2. Avoid soggy ground because roots decline in standing water. Set it at the same depth it grew in the nursery pot, spacing each tree at least 10 to 15 feet from nearby shrubs.

Prune after a flush of growth to shape and encourage multiple stems, which allow small, sustainable bark harvests. Harvest straight young stems after the tree has had time to mature.

Growing Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamon Tree should be protected from cold, especially when temperatures approach the 40 degree range. Bark harvest usually begins after 2 to 3 years of strong growth by cutting small stems, removing the outer bark, peeling the inner bark, and drying it until it curls into quills. Store dried cinnamon in an airtight container in a cool, dry cabinet.

Growing Cinnamon Tree in Containers

Cinnamon Tree works well as a patio spice tree, conservatory plant, or fragrant indoor specimen when kept pruned. Start with a container at least 18 to 24 inches wide and 20 inches deep, and repot in spring every 2 to 3 years before roots become crowded. Use a loose acidic potting mix with plenty of drainage (add bark/perlite). For container companions, add ferns and begonias to the edges of the pot for texture and color around the base. 

In cold regions (most areas outside USDA Zones ~10–12), bring containers indoors before night temps drop below ~50°F. Indoors, place the plant near a sunny window with bright, indirect light, added humidity, and steady temperatures above ~60°F. Move the tree outdoors gradually in warm weather so leaves do not scorch.

Watering Cinnamon Tree

Water young Cinnamon Tree before the root zone dries out completely, soaking the mix. Water again when the top couple inches of soil begin to dry. Mature plants prefer steady moisture and humid air. If you see yellowing leaves in wet soil, the tree needs faster drainage.

Feeding Cinnamon Tree

Feed in spring and summer with a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost worked over the root zone. Container plants benefit from light liquid feeding during active growth, but winter feeding should pause while the tree is indoors and growing more slowly.

SKU:

EDB-TRO-CIN-LGL