The red powder puff plant (Calliandra haematocephala) is a shrub native of tropical America with a sprawling symmetrical growth habit and can reach 15 feet or more in height. You will need a shady spot in your garden where it has room to fully develop.
The plant has evergreen foliage which is a rich shiny green and the delicate compound leaves appear almost fern-like.
Blooming begins in late fall and lasts well into spring unless frost is encountered. The red powder puff blossom is a spectacular vivid crimson pompom about 2 inches in diameter which literally cover the plant like a gaudy decorated christmas tree. They have no apparent scent, but are nevertheless constantly visited by hummingbirds, bees and other insects.
The red powder puff will thrive outdoors in zones 9 to 10 where it prefers a moist soil in partial shade. It is pretty well self-sufficient, but an occasional application of fertilizer is beneficial and will result in rich green leaf color. Propagation is by seed which should be soaked in warm water for several days and then planted (while still wet). You may find some volunteer seedlings growing around a mature plant which can be easily transplanted.
We have a large specimen which grows and flowers profusely every winter in the shade of live oak trees without any special attention. It has been in the same spot for over 20 years and has survived droughts and below freezing temperatures. About 2 years ago our entire back yard was flooded for a period of 12 weeks. We lost many old grandfather oaks and other valuable trees - but the red powder puff seemed to enjoy standing in water and actually made a new surge of growth.
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