Complete Guide to Calliandra Plant Varieties: A Comprehensive Overview of 12 Beautiful Species with Growing Requirements and Care Tips

Introduction:

Calliandra is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It comprises over 200 species of shrubs and small trees that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of America, Africa, and Asia. The name Calliandra is derived from the Greek words "kalos," meaning beautiful, and "andros," meaning stamen. The plants are popularly grown for their beautiful and exotic-looking flowers, which are usually pink or red and are borne in clusters.

In this blog, we will take a detailed look at the various varieties of Calliandra plants, their features, growing requirements, and care tips.

1. Calliandra haematocephala:

Calliandra haematocephala is a beautiful shrub that is native to South America. It is commonly known as the Powderpuff Tree or the Red Powderpuff. The plant grows up to 6 to 10 feet tall and produces gorgeous pink to red flowers that resemble powderpuffs. The flowers are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter and bloom in clusters throughout the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

2. Calliandra tweedii:

Calliandra tweedii is a small tree that is native to Mexico and South America. It is commonly known as the Pink Powderpuff or the Tweedle's Dwarf Powderpuff. The plant grows up to 10 feet tall and produces stunning pink to red flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

3. Calliandra calothyrsus:

Calliandra calothyrsus is a shrub or small tree that is native to Central and South America. It is commonly known as the Red Calliandra, Scarlet Powderpuff, or Inga Calliandra. The plant grows up to 15 to 20 feet tall and produces showy red flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters during the warm months of the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

4. Calliandra emarginata:

Calliandra emarginata is a shrub that is native to Mexico, Central, and South America. It is commonly known as the Pink Calliandra or the Pink Powderpuff. The plant grows up to 10 feet tall and produces stunning pink flowers that are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

5. Calliandra surinamensis:

Calliandra surinamensis is a shrub that is native to South America. It is commonly known as the Surinam Powderpuff or the Pink Powderpuff. The plant grows up to 6 to 10 feet tall and produces lovely pink flowers that are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

6. Calliandra eriophylla:

Calliandra eriophylla is a shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is commonly known as the Fairy Duster or the Pink Fairy Duster. The plant grows up to 6 feet tall and produces charming pink flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

7. Calliandra tweediei var. viridiflora:

Calliandra tweediei var. viridiflora is a variety of flowering plant that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the green-flowered powderpuff or the green calliandra.

The plant is native to Mexico, where it grows in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows up to 6 feet (2 meters) tall and wide. It has a dense and bushy growth habit and produces fern-like leaves that are bright green in color.

The green calliandra is best known for its striking flowers, which are unique in their green coloration. The powderpuff-like flowers are composed of numerous stamens that form a central puffball, and they bloom in clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers typically appear in late spring and summer and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

8. Calliandra tergemina:

Calliandra tergemina is a small tree that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is commonly known as the Mexican Redbud or the Mexican Pink Tree. The plant grows up to 15 to 20 feet tall and produces stunning pink to purple flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

9. Calliandra schultzei:

Calliandra schultzei is a shrub that is native to the African continent. It is commonly known as the Schultze's Calliandra. The plant grows up to 8 to 10 feet tall and produces beautiful pink to red flowers that are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

10. Calliandra multiflora:

Calliandra multiflora is a shrub that is native to Central and South America. It is commonly known as the Manyflower Calliandra or the Pink Cascade. The plant grows up to 6 to 10 feet tall and produces lovely pink flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

11. Calliandra houstoniana:

Calliandra houstoniana is a small tree that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is commonly known as the Texas Redbud or the Texas Pink Tree. The plant grows up to 15 to 20 feet tall and produces striking pink to purple flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

12. Calliandra emarginata var. emarginata:

Calliandra emarginata var. emarginata is a shrub that is native to Mexico, Central, and South America. It is commonly known as the Baja Fairy Duster or the Pink Fairyduster. The plant grows up to 5 to 6 feet tall and produces adorable pink flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

Growing Requirements:

Calliandra plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They do best in partial to full sun exposure, depending on the variety. Most Calliandra plants are drought-tolerant once established, but they do require regular watering during the first few months after planting. Fertilizing the plants with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring will help promote healthy growth and flowering.

Care Tips:

To keep your Calliandra plants healthy and blooming, it is important to follow some basic care tips:

1. Water the plants regularly during the first few months after planting to help them establish a healthy root system.

2. Prune the plants in the late winter or early spring to encourage branching and promote better flowering.

3. Remove any dead or damaged branches from the plants to keep them looking neat and healthy.

4. Fertilize the plants once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.

5. Keep the plants free from pests and diseases by regularly inspecting them and taking prompt action if any issues arise.

Conclusion:

Calliandra plants are a beautiful and exotic addition to any garden or landscape. With their stunning flowers and easy-to-grow nature, they are a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. By following the growing requirements and care tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy healthy, vibrant Calli