Calliandra tweediei
Mexican flamebush
A tender evergreen shrub or small tree to 5m high, with bipinnate green leaves with a finely divided, feathery appearance. Produces rounded clusters of small green or white flowers with very long, bright red stamens, from winter to spring
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green White Red | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Calliandra are a genus within the pea family and can be herbaceous perennials, shrubs or, very rarely, small trees. They have bipinnate leaves and globose flowerheads which earn the nickname 'powder puff' or 'fairy duster' plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass, in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Requires a year-round minimum temperature of 13°C. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 16-18°C (61-64°F) in spring, by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, or by layering in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Restrictive pruning may be required if grown under glass
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite and mealybugs when grown under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.