Calliandra haematocephala

RHS Plant Profile
pink powderpuff

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Synonyms

Calliandra inaequilatera

Shrubs

A large, tropical shrub with 45cm long leaves, made up of pairs of glossy, dark green leaflets. The pink or red pompom flowers, comprising a mass of stamens, are borne in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
Bolivia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 16-18°C in spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layer in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 1 after flowering; may need restrictive pruning under glass

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free