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Calliandra

Calliandra

Calliandra calothyrsus

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 10aZone 11b

A tropical shrub prized for its feathery, bright pink to red powder-puff flower heads and fine, bipinnate foliage. Nitrogen-fixing and fast-growing, making it excellent for permaculture systems, livestock fodder, and erosion control.

Overview

Form
Rounded
Growth Rate
fast
Size
8–15′ tall × 6–12′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 10aZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 10a to Zone 11b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Shrub

Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Central and South America

Function & Care

biomass/mulcherosion controlhedgerownitrogen fixerpollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting

Notable Cultivars

The species itself is most commonly grown; no major cultivars are widely distinguished, though plants vary in flower color intensity from pink to deep red depending on provenance and growing conditions.