Calliandra tweediei

RHS Plant Profile

Mexican flamebush

Other common names

cunure, Trinidad flame bush

Synonyms

Calliandra guildingii

Shrubs

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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Chalk Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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 peat-free, 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