Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster)

Native to Baja California, Mexico, Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster) is an evergreen, woody shrub with bright red, powder puff flowers, 1.5 in. long (3.5 cm), reminiscent of feather dusters, hence the common name. Blooming year-round, with a peak display from spring through fall, the long-lasting and attractive blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They give way to seed pods that resemble mini-snow peas and split open when ripe to release the enclosed seeds. Slow-growing, this shrub features an upright, fountain-like habit and luxuriant foliage of fern-like, rich green leaves that close at nighttime. Adding a splash of color in sunny gardens, Baja Fairy Duster is hugely heat and drought-tolerant once established. An excellent flowering shrub that is great in foundation plantings, as an informal screen, or as an accent.

• Grows up to 5-6 ft. high and wide (150-180 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates most soils. Water once or twice a month in the winter and weekly in the summer.
• Great for Mediterranean gardens and desert gardens.
• Attracts butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds.
• Virtually pest-free and disease-free.
• Pruning is generally not necessary.