Caesalpinia mexicana

Mexican bird of paradise
Mexican bird of paradise is a showy shrub or tree with feathery evergreen leaves that may drop in cold weather, golden flowers much of the year. Prefers a sunny, well-drained garden spot.
synonyms Erythrostemon mexicanus
height 6–14ft
width 4–15ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Neglect, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 In hot climates, water this plant regularly, when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every week or two in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it does not run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.

In cooler areas, this plant can tolerate significantly less water once established but will bloom better with deep, monthly watering.

This plant has adapted to survive drought by shedding its leaves, and as such if it defoliates during long dry periods you’ve probably pushed it too far. It’s not dead though! Give it a good deep watering and it should come back.
hardy
to		 10F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing Low Needs
origin Mexico, S Texas
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 11–16, 18–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Exceptionally heat-tolerant. Water deeply and infrequently for consistent flowering in hot-summer climates. Can flower nearly all year in warmest climates. Flowers appear in summer-fall in cooler areas.
Prune only to remove dead material. Does not respond well to pruning otherwise. Position where spent flowers, leaves, and seedpods won’t litter paving or decking. Minimal fertilizer needed. Grows well in heavier soils where winter rains are light. Drops foliage in frosty weather; can die back to the ground and resprout from severe freezes.

Special Interest

Seeds are poisonous to pets.

Smooth, grey bark. Not thorny.

More Info

Native to the lower Rio Grande Valley and northeast Mexico along the Gulf as well as the Pacific coast from Colima to Nayarit and Sinaloa, including Puerto Vallarta.