Sesbania punicea, commonly known as Rattlebox, or Scarlet Sesbane, is a captivating ornamental shrub native to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Growing up to 15 feet tall, this plant is celebrated for its striking reddish-orange flowers that bloom from late spring to autumn, adding vibrant beauty to gardens and landscapes. The deciduous shrub features attractive compound leaves and produces seed pods that remain on the plant throughout the winter, producing a distinctive rattling sound in the wind.
Thriving in wet and marshy environments, Sesbania punicea prefers mildly acidic soils with a pH of 6.1 to 6.5. It is well-suited for full sun to part shade locations and is remarkably shade-tolerant. Despite its ornamental appeal, this plant can become invasive, especially in the coastal plains of the USA, forming dense thickets that spread rapidly in moist, disturbed areas. Ideal as a garden centerstage, Sesbania punicea requires careful management to prevent it from overtaking native habitats, offering a striking yet responsibly tended beauty to any landscape.