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Calliandra surinamensis

A tender evergreen shrub or small tree to 8m high, with a spreading habit, and mid green leaves divided into 7-12 pairs of smaller leaflets. Rounded clusters of small yellow-green flowers are produced from winter to spring, with very long, fluffy stamens that are white at the base and reddish-pink at the tips

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow White Pink Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green Yellow White Pink Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Northern S 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

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