Scientific Name
Calliandra brevipes Benth.
Common Name(s)
Pink Powderpuff
Synonym(s)
Acacia selloi, Anneslia brevipes, Calliandra selloi, Calliandra yucunensis, Feuilleea brevipes
Scientific Classification
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Tribe: Ingeae
Genus: Calliandra
Flower
Color: White and pink
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Calliandra brevipes is an attractive shrub with finely divided leaves. It grows up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. The leaflets are very closely spaced and often "closed up." Flowers are beautiful powder puffs of erect stamens white towards the base and pink above. They appear during the summer months.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Powder Puff plants are not especially difficult to grow indoors, but it can be tricky coaxing them to bloom. They prefer regular moisture, high humidity, bright light, and high temperatures. In the absence of these conditions, they will not grow as vigorously and will likely not bloom at all. You'll probably have more success if you have a conservatory or sunroom.
Powder Puffs are not especially susceptible to pests but will sometimes suffer from infestations of mealybugs, aphids, and mites. Signs of infestation include tiny webs on plants, clumps of white "powdery" residue, or visible insects on the plant. Treat infestations as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading to the rest of your collection. As always, start with the least toxic treatment option first, only progressing to more serious chemicals if your initial efforts fail.
Repot in the early spring (when you take cuttings). In their native habitat, Powder Puff plants grow to medium-sized shrubs or small trees, depending on the year-round conditions and species. Indoors won't become that large, but if your plant is very healthy and thriving, it can easily outgrow your pot and overpower the space. To keep it smaller, only repot every other year.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Powder Puff Plants.
Origin
This species is native to southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.
Links
- Back to genus Calliandra
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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