Calliandra haematocephala seed

Calliandra is a large genus of tropical plants that consists of about 200 species of small trees and evergreen, flowering shrubs. Calliandra haematocephala, commonly known as the Powder Puff tree, is native to South America.

Powder Puffs grow up to 10 feet tall with an equal spread, but dwarf, 3-6 foot varieties are also available.

Dwarf hybrids are more appropriate in colder regions where you will need to over-winter your plant indoors.

Powder Puff Trees are primarily fall and winter blooming plants, especially in warmer climates, but they may bloom sporadically throughout the year if they are happy. They have bipinnately compound, 2″ leaves that emerge as a flushed pink color but mature to dark green. Their oblong shaped leaves fold up to ‘sleep’ at night.

In the fall and winter, your Powder Puff tree will produce lots of slightly fragrant, showy, 3″ spherical Flower heads consisting of hundreds of red, pink or white stamens that are attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds.