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Description
Calliandra Brevipes, also known as Pink Powderpuff, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, with a dense and bushy growth habit. The leaves are dark green and feathery, with each leaflet measuring about 1 inch long. The flowers are the main attraction, with pink-red powderpuff-like blooms that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters and bloom from spring to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Calliandra |
Appearance
Calliandra Brevipes is a beautiful flowering shrub that can add color and texture to any garden. The shrub has a dense and bushy growth habit, with dark green feathery leaves that are about 1 inch long. The flowers are the main attraction, with pink-red powderpuff-like blooms that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters and bloom from spring to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Calliandra Brevipes thrives and produces beautiful blooms, it is important to follow these care guidelines:
Water
Calliandra Brevipes prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce fertilization to once a month during the fall and winter.
Soil
Calliandra Brevipes prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight
Calliandra Brevipes prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant the shrub in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Calliandra Brevipes is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow the plant in a container and bring it indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calliandra Brevipes is generally pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant well-watered and avoid overcrowding. If you notice an infestation, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Calliandra Brevipes is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical forests. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Calliandra Brevipes grow in a container?
A: Yes, Calliandra Brevipes can be grown in a container. Use a well-draining potting mix and choose a container that is slightly larger than the root ball. Water the plant deeply and fertilize it regularly.
Q: How often should I prune Calliandra Brevipes?
A: Prune Calliandra Brevipes in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also shape the plant to maintain its size and shape. Avoid pruning in the fall or early winter, as this can stimulate new growth that is susceptible to frost damage.
Q: Does Calliandra Brevipes attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Calliandra Brevipes attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its pink-red powderpuff-like blooms. Plant the shrub in a sunny location to attract these beneficial pollinators.
Q: How do I propagate Calliandra Brevipes?
A: Calliandra Brevipes can be propagated by seed or by softwood cuttings in the spring or summer. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate. To propagate by cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist until it roots.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Calliandra Brevipes:
- Calliandra haematocephala
- Calliandra eriophylla
- Calliandra surinamensis
- Calliandra tweedii
References
- “Calliandra Brevipes.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278455.
- “Pink Powderpuff.” Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1882/.
- “Calliandra Brevipes.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/database/plant/plants/Calliandra-brevipes/.
