Powder puff tree (Calliandra haematocephala)
The Powder puff tree (Calliandra haematocephala) dazzles with unique red flowers, ideal for warm gardens or containers.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Powder puff tree, scientifically known as Calliandra haematocephala, is a highly distinctive broadleaf evergreen valued for its flamboyant, tropical bloom. Its resemblance to a bright red powder puff gives this shrub its popular name, making it a stunning focal point in warm-climate landscapes or as a magnificent houseplant elsewhere. This Bolivian native is admired for its combination of attractive foliage and uniquely structured flowers composed of masses of scarlet stamens.
Typically maintaining a manageable size in cultivation, the Calliandra haematocephala offers reliable color when many other plants are slowing down. While it can reach 10-15 feet in ideal tropical settings, it often stays smaller, fitting well into mixed borders or large containers. Gardeners appreciate its tolerance for a variety of soils, provided moisture levels are maintained.
Its foliage is also ornamental, featuring bipinnately compound leaves that emerge with a fresh copper-pink hue before maturing to dark green. For gardeners looking to introduce an exotic, brightly flowering specimen, the Powder puff tree presents an excellent, relatively low-fuss option within its suitable hardiness range.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Fabaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Native Range: Bolivia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-6 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
To establish the Powder puff tree successfully, plant it during warm weather, preferably spring or early summer, allowing it time to establish before cooler seasons. Calliandra haematocephala thrives in full sun to achieve its best flowering potential. It prefers moist, fertile soils but demonstrates flexibility, tolerating a wide range of soil types, including those that are somewhat poor, as long as drainage is adequate. Good humidity levels are beneficial for optimal growth.
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during active growth periods. While categorized as medium water user, dry spells should be avoided, particularly for container specimens. Fertilization should be moderate; rich soils benefit from less intervention, while poorer soils may benefit from balanced feeding during the growing season to support continuous bloom production.
Pruning is generally minimal, focused on removing dead or crossing branches to maintain an attractive shape. For gardeners living outside USDA Zones 9 through 11, container growing is essential. In cooler climates, such as the St. Louis area mentioned, the Calliandra haematocephala must be brought indoors before frost threatens. Overwinter this specimen in a bright, cool sunroom or greenhouse to protect the tropical shrub.
Landscape Uses
The manageable height of the Powder puff tree makes it highly versatile in landscapes where space is a consideration. In frost-free regions, it excels as a vibrant specimen plant or used en masse to create a striking seasonal screen due to its deep green backdrop contrasting the red flowers. Its tropical look blends well with palms and other exotic flora.
When grown in containers, the Calliandra haematocephala truly shines, offering portability so it can be moved to feature locations during the blooming season. Container culture is also the required method for northern gardeners who treat it as an annual or overwinter it indoors as a houseplant. Overwintering indoors requires careful placement in a location receiving bright light to prevent leggy growth.
It serves well in informal settings or near patios where the unique exfoliating bark and striking blooms can be closely observed, though it is not typically used for formal hedges due to its looser habit. Consider pairing it with plants that enjoy similar moisture regimes and full sun exposure.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Calliandra haematocephala, commonly called red powder puff, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Bolivia. It was formerly included in the legume or pea family, but has recently been shifted into the mimosa family. It typically grows 10-15’ tall in its native habitat and is a very popular flowering shrub in central and southern Florida where it will survive year-round in the ground. Raspberry-like flower buds open to hemispherical red powder puff flower heads (to 3” across) consisting of masses of scarlet stamens. Genus name comes from the Greek words kalli- meaning beautiful and aner or andros meaning male, hence a stamen in reference to the flower’s many stamens.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
The Calliandra haematocephala is generally recognized for having few serious insect or disease issues, which adds to its appeal as an easy-care specimen. Gardeners should remain vigilant for common tropical and subtropical pests, however. Specifically watch for caterpillars, which can defoliate the plant if populations soar, as well as spider mites and aphids, particularly when the plant is stressed or kept in low-humidity indoor environments during winter. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap can manage minor infestations before they impact the overall health of the Powder puff tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Powder puff tree suitable for?
The Powder puff tree (Calliandra haematocephala) is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11.
How large does Powder puff tree grow?
In the garden, it typically reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, though it can grow much taller in its native tropical habitat.
What sun exposure does Calliandra haematocephala need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to thrive and produce the best seasonal bloom display.
When does Powder puff tree bloom?
The Calliandra haematocephala is noted as a seasonal bloomer, producing its striking red flowers primarily during the fall and winter months.
Conclusion
The Calliandra haematocephala, or Powder puff tree, brings unparalleled visual interest to subtropical gardens with its unique, brush-like red flowers and attractive evergreen foliage. Its medium maintenance needs and adaptability to imperfect soils make it a worthy addition for those residing in USDA Zones 9-11. Before planting, always confirm your local hardiness zone compatibility to ensure this spectacular specimen can flourish in your landscape.
Container Growing
Growing the Powder puff tree in containers is an excellent strategy for gardeners in marginal zones or those who desire flexibility. Using a well-draining potting mix is paramount, mitigating the risk of root issues associated with consistently wet soil, which this plant dislikes despite its medium water needs. Ensure the container is weighty enough to support the shrub, as it produces top growth quickly.
When overwintering indoors, resist the urge to fertilize heavily; the goal is survival, not rapid growth. Place the container in the brightest available cool spot, such as a south-facing, unheated sun porch or greenhouse, and reduce watering significantly, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.
Transitioning the containerized Calliandra haematocephala back outside in the spring should be done gradually. Acclimate the plant to direct sun over a week or two to prevent leaf scorch after spending months indoors. This careful seasonal shift ensures the Powder puff tree remains a stunning feature year after year.
Wildlife Benefits
The characteristic flowers of Calliandra haematocephala are perfectly structured to attract several key wildlife visitors, particularly in warmer climates where it grows outdoors year-round. The masses of long, bright stamens are a nectar source powerhouse, highly attractive to hummingbirds.
This nectar bounty also draws in butterflies, adding dynamic movement to the garden space around the red powder puff blooms. While the primary benefit is attracting nectar feeders due to the flowers, the dense evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter for small birds during cooler periods or inclement weather.
