Calliandra californica
Calliandra californica, commonly known as Baja Fairy Duster or Red Fairy Duster, is a beautiful and drought-tolerant flowering shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to Baja California and parts of Mexico, this eye-catching plant is admired for its bright red, powder puff-like flowers and its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Here's a description of Calliandra californica:
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Flowers: The most striking feature of Calliandra californica is its vibrant and showy red flowers that resemble powder puffs or tiny brushes. Each flower is composed of numerous slender stamens, which give it a unique and delicate appearance. The flowers appear in clusters and provide a brilliant display of color against the foliage.
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Foliage: The plant's leaves are small, feathery, and dark green, creating a lush and attractive backdrop for the colorful flowers. The foliage is evergreen in warmer climates, adding beauty to the landscape year-round.
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Blooming Season: Baja Fairy Duster typically blooms from late spring to early fall, with peak flowering occurring during the summer months. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a popular choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
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Growth Habit: Calliandra californica is a small to medium-sized shrub, reaching a height of about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) and spreading about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) wide. Its growth habit is dense and mounded, making it an excellent choice for borders, hedges, and mass plantings.
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Care Requirements: Baja Fairy Duster is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot and dry conditions. Occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage more vigorous flowering.
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Landscape Use: Calliandra californica is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. It is ideal for water-wise and xeriscape gardens, as well as in coastal and desert landscapes. It adds a burst of color to gardens and attracts pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.