1. * Baja Fairyduster – Calliandra californica
(kal-ee-AN-druh kal-ih-FOR-nik-uh)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Cape region of Baja CA; on gravelly flats, hillsides and in sandy desert washes.
evergreen perennial shrub
mature height:3-6 ft. mature width:2-5 ft.
Vase-shaped shrub with branches forming a loose meshwork. Foliage is blue-green. Leaves have
multiple leaflets (typical for Pea family). Over impression is lacey or fern-like foliage. Plants may
lose leaves in severe drought or very cold winter.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms are quite spectacular. Red ‘Fairy Duster’ puff of showy stamens. Longblooming primarily in late spring, but off and on with rains/watering. Unique & spectacular accent.
Seeds are house in typical ‘pea’ pods that explore when ripe, releasing the seeds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Best used as a showy accent plant in hot sunny parts of the garden.
Can also
be grown as an informal hedge, or in pots or planters. Lends a ‘tropical’ look to the dry garden.
Flower & foliage blend well with many CA native plants including those from deserts and our local
area (Coastal Sage Scrub; Coastal Shrubland; Chaparral).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native tropical shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent hummingbird and butterfly habitat plant.
Larval food for Marine Blue butterfly.
Birds also eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade; fine in hot reflect sun areas.
Any well-drained soil including clays; any local pH.
Best in Zone 2 once established (deep watering when soil is dry); can also water
less deeply once a week in heat of summer.
None
Easy to maintain. Prune lightly to shape of remove dead branches in spring after
bloom. Never cut back to more than 18 inches from ground. Pest & disease resistant.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: spring, deep pot
by cuttings: hardwood, semi-soft wood, layering.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 13, 14, 22
* Native to Baja California
1/31/11
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