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| The red powderpuff plant (Calliandra haematocephala) is a shrub native
of tropical America with a sprawling symmetrical growth habit and can
reach 15 feet or more in height. You will need a good sized shady spot
in your garden where it has room to fully develop. The plant has abundant evergreen foliage which is a rich shiny green composed of delicate compound leaves that appear almost fern-like. Leaves fold up tightly at night. Blooming begins in late fall and lasts well into spring unless frost is encountered which will kill off the tender flowers. The blossom itself is a spectacular vivid crimson pompom about 2 inches in diameter which literally cover the plant like a gaudily decorated christmas tree. Seedpods which look much like a bean appear shortly after blooming. These are very apparent, as they stick up above the blossom like a flag. Squirrels love them! Red powderpuff flowers have no apparent scent, but are nevertheless constantly visited by hummingbirds, bees and other insects. It is pretty well self-sufficient and without any apparent disease or insect problems. |
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