Powder Puff Tree

[bubba]

[bubba]

Calliandra haematocephala is native to Bolivia but can be grown in USDA locations 9-11. It is a beautiful shrub with redish, pink flowers and has a fragrant smell. It should be planted more frequently.

[TexasColdHardyPalms]

Looks similar to Albizia Julibrissin which is hardy to below zero Fahrenheit. 

[Silas_Sancona]

On 11/20/2019 at 8:45 AM, bubba said:

Calliandra haematocephala is native to Bolivia but can be grown in USDA locations 9-11. It is a beautiful shrub with redish, pink flowers and has a fragrant smell. It should be planted more frequently.

Think the one pictured is Calliandra surinamensis.. Pinkish colored form of C. haematocephala is a touch darker than this one. Dont recall any sort of flower scent on C. haematoceph. either. Side by side, both look quite similar w/ out flowers though ( had both for awhile)  Regardless, both are great and equally as hardy ( can drop leaves if frosted at 32'ish but comes back quickly.  Supposedly will regrow from the crown if cut down by a significant freeze, or is what I've seen referenced from a few different sources. Can't vouch for how accurate that might be. )  seen both here in Phoenix ( both sold at a local nursery,  no idea how they do in the ground as i havent yet encountered any ) and fairly common ( at least C. haematoceph. ) in Calif.  Thinking @DoomsDave has talked about a monster specimen in his yard before.. Seen it used as 8' privacy hedges around Vista/ Oceanside.  Like the look more than Bougainvillea. 

[DoomsDave]

4 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Think the one pictured is Calliandra surinamensis.. Pinkish colored form of C. haematocephala is a touch darker than this one. Dont recall any sort of flower scent on C. haematoceph. either. Side by side, both look quite similar w/ out flowers though ( had both for awhile)  Regardless, both are great and equally as hardy ( can drop leaves if frosted at 32'ish but comes back quickly.  Supposedly will regrow from the crown if cut down by a significant freeze, or is what I've seen referenced from a few different sources. Can't vouch for how accurate that might be. )  seen both here in Phoenix ( both sold at a local nursery,  no idea how they do in the ground as i havent yet encountered any ) and fairly common ( at least C. haematoceph. ) in Calif.  Thinking @DoomsDave has talked about a monster specimen in his yard before.. Seen it used as 8' privacy hedges around Vista/ Oceanside.  Like the look more than Bougainvillea. 

Be careful how you use calliandras, at least the big species I have in my yard. It metastasizes all over the place by rooting creeping branches. Sometimes you want The Huns if there’s serious looting and putting to the sword to be done. Most times be careful.