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Baja Fairy Duster

Calliandra Californica

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Overview

The Baja Fairy Duster, Calliandra californica, is a captivating, small perennial shrub reaching up to 5 feet tall and wide. Recognizable by its feathery, bright red flowers, which bloom year-round in warm climates, it is a pollinator magnet, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in USDA zones 8-11, prefers full sun, and handles drought conditions well, making it ideal for low-water landscapes. Minimal maintenance required, and it's evergreen in frost-free areas.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 9–11Climate Arid
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — small perennial shrub reaching up to 5 feet tall and wide
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — small perennial shrub reaching up to 5 feet tall and wideBaja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — Recognizable by its featheryBaja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — it is a pollinator magnetBaja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — attracting hummingbirds and butterfliesBaja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — It thrives in USDA zones 8-11Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — and handles drought conditions well+42

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Fabaceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (49)

Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — which bloom year-round in warm climates
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — small perennial shrub reaching up to 5 feet tall and wide
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — Recognizable by its feathery
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — it is a pollinator magnet
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — attracting hummingbirds and butterflies
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — It thrives in USDA zones 8-11
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — and handles drought conditions well
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — making it ideal for low-water landscapes
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — Minimal maintenance required, and it's evergreen in frost-free areas
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — scientifically known as Calliandra californica
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — treasured for its whimsical
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — brush-like red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — Originating from the Baja California region
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — Calliandra californica typically reaches a height and spread of 4 to 5 feet
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — though it can occasionally extend up to 6 feet under optimal conditions
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — and while this shrub prefers full sunlight
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — it can tolerate partial shade
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — the Baja Fairy Duster requires minimal supplemental watering
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — making it an excellent choice for xeriscape gardens
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — it requires only occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — ideally after the blooming cycle in the late spring or early summer.<br><br>Its low-growing
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — mounding form is excellent for use as an accent
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — or foundation plant in the landscape design
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra Californica) — The striking red blossoms create a dramatic contrast against its green foliage

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