Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster)

Shrub
Written By Anna Barnett
← Back to Plant Database

Calliandra californica
Baja Fairy Duster

CHARACTERISTICS

Height: 3 - 5 ft

Width: 5 ft

Hardiness: Very Hardy

Natural Setting: Sandy washes, flats, and hillsides

Plant Type: Shrub

Dormancy: Evergreen

Form: Rounded

Growth Rate: Moderate

Flower Season: Year round

Soil: Adaptable

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Water Requirements: Low once established

Cold Tolerance: 25 degrees F

 

OVERVIEW

An evergreen shrub with showy red flowers.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

After the first year, it doesn’t need supplemental irrigation but will not flower year round. With supplemental water, it will bloom almost year round.

WILDLIFE

Great for hummingbirds.

ANECDOTAL EXPERIENCES

  • Once planted it grows pretty rapidly to 3 ft

  • Has a bit more of vertical growth habit, but can be pruned to be more rounded

  • Roots very aggressively, doesn’t like to be transplanted

  • Does well in rocks, good for slope stabilization

  • Forms to the wind very easily and if planted in a windy area will look more windswept

  • In pots it stays a little smaller

We encourage you to comment below and share your own experiences and recommendations for this species.

View Commenting Rules
 
Anna Barnett
Previous

Carex praegracilis (Clustered Field Sedge)
Next

Dudleya brittonii (Giant Chalk Dudleya)