Caesalpinia gilliesii (Bird of Paradise Shrub)
Poinciana, Bird of Paradise Bush, Desert Bird of Paradise, Yellow Bird of Paradise, Poinciana gilliesii, Bird of Paradise Shrub, Yellow Bird of Paradise Shrub, Desert Bird of Paradise Shrub
Fast-growing and tough, Caesalpinia gilliesii (Bird of Paradise Shrub) is a vase-shaped evergreen shrub or small tree boasting flamboyant clusters of yellow flowers in summer. Borne at the branch tips, the five-petaled blossoms, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), feature long, protruding red stamens that create an exotic look. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, they give way to flat seed pods, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), containing dark brown to black seeds. These pods dry and split open, releasing the dark brown seeds, sometimes explosively. The foliage of lacy, feathery gray-green leaves is evergreen in frost-free climates. Bird of Paradise Shrub is a fine choice for xeriscaping and makes a wonderful large accent shrub or flowering hedge.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 7-10 ft. tall and wide (2-3 m). This plant self-sows mildly.
- Performs best in full sun in moist, well-drained soils. Established plants have good drought tolerance.
- A charming addition to beds and borders, wall-side borders, hedges, city gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or containers.
- Prune to shape as needed.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.
- Native to Argentina, Uruguay.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Caesalpinia |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m) |
Spread | 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden |
Belikart, Velmafia, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Caesalpinia |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m) |
Spread | 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden |