Calliandra haematocephala Seeds | Red Powderpuff
LATIN NAME: Calliandra haematocephala
COMMON NAME: Red Powderpuff
Plant Profile
Red Powderpuff (Calliandra haematocephala) is a bushy evergreen shrub of the pea family (Fabaceae), native to Bolivia and planted throughout the tropics. It grows 2-4 m tall, with feathery bipinnate leaves and round, silky, scarlet powderpuff flower heads that appear in flushes nearly year-round in warm climates. It is one of the most free-flowering of tropical shrubs and a favourite of hummingbirds and butterflies.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Calliandra group, Calliandra haematocephala is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Its rapid growth and reliable flowering in humid tropical climates have also made it a frequently studied species in tropical landscaping research examining flowering shrub performance across different humidity and rainfall regimes. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Red Powderpuff earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Red powderpuff is a dramatic ornamental shrub for warm, frost-free gardens, its large, vivid red pom-pom flowers providing striking visual impact and genuine value for hummingbirds and butterflies throughout an extended flowering season. Its larger size compared with related Calliandra species makes it a substantial specimen shrub or informal hedge in tropical and subtropical landscaping. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Powder-puff trees are showy tropical ornamentals with minor folk records; their real service is nectar for hummingbirds and bees.
Growing from Seed
Raising Red Powderpuff from seed is straightforward. Nick or lightly sand hard seed coat and soak it in warm water overnight before sowing into a loose, well-drained mix. Bright light and warmth suit this tropical species well, and it typically establishes readily, producing its dramatic flower display within the first couple of years of growth in a suitably warm, humid climate. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Red Powderpuff settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Careful watering early on is rewarded by toughness at maturity.
Related Reading
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