Bring the Beauty of the Peacock to Your Garden with Caesalpinia pulcherima flava (Shankasur Yellow/Brabados Pride)
- Common name:
- Shankasur Yellow,Brabados Pride, Peacock Flower, Dwarf Poinciana
- Regional name:
- Marathi - Shankasur, Hindi - Gulutora, Bengali - Krishna Chura, Gujarati - Sandhesharo, Kannada - Kenjige, Malayalam - Settimandaram, Sanskrit - Ratnagandhi, Tamil - Mayikonnai, Telugu - Pamiditangedu
- Category:
- Shrubs, Trees, Medicinal Plants
- Family:
- Leguminosae or Fabaceae or Pea family
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1. Introduction
Caesalpinia pulcherima flava 'Shankasur Yellow' is a stunning tropical plant known for its bright yellow flowers, which stand out against its green, fern-like foliage. This perennial shrub is a cultivar of the well-known Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherima) and is also commonly known as the Yellow Pride of Barbados.
2. Plant Information
- Scientific Name: Caesalpinia pulcherima flava 'Shankasur Yellow'
- Common Names: Yellow Pride of Barbados, Yellow Bird of Paradise
- Family: Fabaceae
- Origin: Tropical regions of the Americas
- Zones: USDA hardiness zones 9-11
3. Plantation
- Location: Full sun to partial shade; it thrives in direct sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0.
- Spacing: Plant 6-8 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year of growth.
4. Growing
- Size: Mature plants can reach 6-12 feet in height and 6-8 feet in width.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast-growing, depending on growing conditions.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
5. Care
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but watch out for spider mites, scale insects, and fungal diseases.
- Cold Protection: Protect the plant from frost by covering it with a blanket or moving it indoors if in a container.
6. Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Its striking yellow flowers and lush foliage make it an excellent choice for garden borders, focal points, or container gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Drought-Tolerant: Once established, the plant can tolerate periods of drought, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping.