Calliandra brevipes (Powder Puff Bush)

Calliandra brevipes (Powder Puff Bush) Details

This variety of Calliandra is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and lush foliage. It produces masses of pink-red, pom-pom like flowers which gives rise to the common name, Powder Puff Bush. The flowers are borne from autumn through winter and result in red berries, with both the flowers and berries attracting birds and bees. The foliage on this evergreen emerges bright green, ages to dark green, and is held densely as it grows with a somewhat rounded habit to about 1.8 m tall and the same wide. Best results with this plant are achieved when it is grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site that does not dry out. It is tolerant of mild frost once established. The Powder Puff Bush is commonly included in cottage gardens, trimmed into a hedge, added to a mixed planting, or planted as a backdrop for smaller plants.