White Flower Farm
Popcorn Cassia (Senna didymobotrya)
Best tropical accent for container gardeners seeking unique, fragrant foliage.
Add a touch of the tropics to your garden or patio with Popcorn Cassia, also known as Senna didymobotrya. This fast-growing, ornamental legume from Africa quickly reaches shrub-like proportions, boasting dramatic black buds that unfurl into vibrant golden flowers. Its unique foliage releases a delightful buttered popcorn scent when gently rubbed, making it a true conversation starter. Thriving in summer heat and humidity, it pairs beautifully with bold foliage plants for a lush, eye-catching display. This plant is an annual, best suited for containers and sunny locations.
$14.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1768
/ 2693
#1768 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
SKU
71088
/ S
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique sensory experiences for their outdoor spaces
- Landscapers wanting reliable, high-impact color for focal points
- Conservationists looking to support local bee and butterfly populations
Who should skip it
- Pet owners and parents needing non-toxic plants for their yards
- Gardeners in cooler climates wanting low-maintenance, year-round perennials
- Busy homeowners preferring plants that do not require frequent pruning
Performance breakdown
Sensory Appeal
The distinct buttered popcorn scent offers a truly unique garden experience.
Growth Velocity
Rapid development makes this an ideal choice for quick seasonal impact.
Heat Tolerance
Thrives in sweltering summer conditions where other plants often struggle.
Container Suitability
Compact enough for pots while maintaining a dramatic, upright architectural presence.
Visual Impact
Striking golden blooms and dark buds create a high-contrast tropical aesthetic.
Pest Resistance
Reliable deer resistance keeps your garden display safe from hungry visitors.
Key Specs
SKU
S71088
Ships as
1 PINT 28.86 CU IN.
Mature Height
4-5 feet
Spacing
2 feet
Exposure
Full Sun
Blooms
July-August
Growth Rate
Fast
Water Needs
Medium
Features
- Unique buttered popcorn fragrance from foliage
- Vigorous, upright growth habit
- Striking golden flowers from black buds
- Adds tropical appeal to any setting
- Tolerates heat and humidity
- Ideal for container gardening
- Deer resistant
- Fragrant blooms
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Popcorn Cassia from White Flower Farm. Plants arrive robustly packaged and ready to thrive, establishing quickly in the garden. The primary delight centers on the plant's reliability in producing its distinctive yellow blooms and the novelty of its buttery popcorn scent, making it a unique and successful garden addition. This ease of establishment and the plant's unique aesthetic value drive high satisfaction among specialty plant enthusiasts, highlighting its excellent value and dependable performance.
Know before you buy
Yes, the foliage releases a distinct, buttery scent when you gently rub or brush against the leaves. It is a unique sensory feature that makes it a great choice for near seating areas or walkways.
While it is primarily marketed for containers, you can plant it in the ground if you live in a climate where it can be treated as an annual. Because it grows quickly and reaches 4 to 5 feet, ensure you provide enough space for its upright, shrub-like habit.
Popcorn Cassia requires full sun to thrive and produce its signature golden flowers. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to support its vigorous growth and summer blooming cycle.
Yes, Popcorn Cassia is generally avoided by deer. Its strong scent and foliage texture make it an excellent candidate for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.
This plant has medium water needs. In containers, check the soil daily during hot, humid weather, as pots dry out faster than the ground; keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Popcorn Cassia is grown as an annual in most climates. It is not cold-hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures, so it should be treated as a seasonal plant that is replaced each year.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$15