The Calliandra Palm is a long-time favorite in tropical gardens. Its beautiful, feathery flowers are a rich, deep red and appear in summer, fall and even into winter in warm climates. The blossoms are followed by large, round, red fruits. Calliandra prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Apply a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Calliandra is a fast grower, reaching 8 to 10 feet in just a few years. It is very drought tolerant, once established. Calliandra is an excellent choice for a flowering hedge or accent plant. It can be trained as a small tree or left to grow naturally as a large bush. Calliandra is also known as the powder puff tree.
How to care:
Calliandra is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Apply a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Calliandra can be trained as a small tree or left to grow naturally as a large bush.
Water requirement:
Calliandra is drought tolerant once established, but will need regular watering during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Sun exposure:
Calliandra prefers full sun to partial shade.
Fertilizer:
Apply a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
Pruning:
Calliandra can be pruned to shape as needed.
Ideal temperature:
Calliandra is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from hot, humid tropical climates to cooler temperate areas.
Diseases and pests:
Calliandra palm is generally pest and disease free.
Propagation:
Calliandra palm can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Pest and Disease Control:
Calliandra palm is generally pest and disease free, but there are a few pests and diseases that can affect the plant. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whiteflies, which can all suck the sap from the leaves and weaken the plant. These pests can be controlled with a number of different insecticides. Calliandra is also susceptible to root rot, so make sure the plant is not too wet. If you see the leaves wilting, yellowing, or falling off, the plant may be overwatered.
Landscape uses:
Calliandra palm is an excellent choice for a flowering hedge or accent plant. It can also be trained as a small tree or left to grow naturally as a large bush.