About
Calliandra haematocephala is a sizable tropical shrub characterized by its 45 cm long compound leaves, which consist of pairs of shiny, dark green leaflets. During the summer months, it produces pompom-like flowers that are pink or red in color, formed by dense clusters of stamens.
About the genus
Calliandra belongs to the pea family and comprises herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and occasionally small trees. The plants feature bipinnate leaves and spherical flower clusters, commonly referred to as 'powder puff' or 'fairy duster' due to their appearance.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Native to
- Bolivia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 after flowering; may need restrictive pruning under glass
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing seed at 16-18°C in spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layer in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free