Calliandra californica

Baja fairy duster
Delicate-looking but tough evergreen shrub puts on a show of brilliant red brushy flowers in spring and fall. Vase-like form needs minimal pruning. Try in pots.
Calliandra californica
height 3–5ft
width 4–5ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Neglect
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 A desert plant adapted to occasional summer water. Irrigate regularly over the first two to three years to get established; can be taken off irrigation thereafter in all but the hottest inland climates. Can take weekly or biweekly water in the hottest desert areas to encourage summer bloom.
hardy
to		 22F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix
fertilizing Low Needs
origin Mexico
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

Adapted to a range of soils. Choose well-drained soils in wet-winter areas.
Place in the garden to favor its spreading vase shape.
Has regrown from roots after 5F.

Special Interest

Showy red to fuchsia flowers may appear at any time of the year but peak in spring. In hot-summer areas, apply occasional supplemental water to encourage bloom.

More Info

Species name refers to Baja California; not native to the state of California. This Baja species is more robust and flowery than the similar (pale pink) native species C. eriophylla, from San Diego and Imperial counties of California.