Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster)
Baja Fairy Duster, Red Fairy Duster, Flame Bush
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 a luxuriant foliage of fern-like, rich green leaves which close at nighttime. Adding a splash of color in sunny gardens, Baja Fairy Duster is extremely 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.
Buy Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster)
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com
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 | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |