Calliandra is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs and rarely small trees growing from 0.5m to 6m tall, with bipinnate leaves. It is in the pea family, Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae and contains about 200 species that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of southern Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas.

Calliandra tweediei is native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay and is currently the only variety that I grow.

The flowers have no decorative petals - so to speak- but are made up of numerous long, slender, bright red stamens. The stamens give rise to the common name of Powder-puff, Powder puff Plant and Fairy Duster. These plants flower all year round, but the best blooming is in spring and summer. They can be easily pruned to retain shape and size, are happy in both sun and shade though their favourite is partial or dappled shade, and prefer a slightly acidic soil.

These are ideal container plants for the patio. I have heard of them surviving frosts down to -10, but ideally they should be given shelter in the winter.

Click on the picture to enlarge..

Calliandra

Calliandra tweedii