Calliandra haematocephala, commonly called red powder puff, is an evergreen shrub native to Bolivia that brings tropical drama to gardens in zones 9-11. Its signature showy blooms arrive in shades of purple, pink, white, and magenta, with many flowers displaying doubles and occasional singles, all crowned with sunny yellow centers. Growing 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, this legume family member thrives in full sun and moderate moisture, rewarding gardeners with long-stemmed flowers ideal for cutting.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
24in H x 36in W
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High
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The powder puff's most enchanting feature is its explosion of silky, pompom-like blooms that seem almost too delicate to be real. Flowers open in jewel tones of magenta, pink, and purple, with the occasional white variety, and they keep their golden yellow stamens on display even on double blooms. The ferny, bipinnately compound foliage opens in coppery pink tones before maturing to deep green, giving the plant year-round visual interest beyond its blooming season.
The powder puff is grown primarily for its stunning floral display and exceptional cut-flower qualities. The long stems and long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for fresh arrangements, bringing tropical elegance to indoor bouquets. Beyond the vase, gardeners cultivate it as a focal point shrub for borders, screens, and containers in frost-prone regions.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date for earlier blooms, then transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed and frost danger has completely passed. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before final planting.
Direct sow seeds after the last frost date into prepared soil.
Cut flowers for arrangements when they are fully open and the centers are clearly visible. Harvest stems early in the morning for the longest vase life, choosing long stems for the most dramatic display.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, removing any dead or crossing branches. Light pruning after flowering encourages denser foliage and more blooms the following season.
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“This tropical beauty hails from Bolivia, where it evolved into a shrub or small tree in its native habitat. Botanically, it has undergone a significant reclassification: formerly grouped within the legume or pea family, it was more recently shifted into the mimosa family, reflecting deeper understanding of its genetic relationships. The powder puff found its way to cultivation across warmer regions, becoming especially beloved in central and southern Florida, where it now thrives as a year-round landscape staple.”