Calliandra surinamensis

Shrubs Trees

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 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
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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