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Baja fairy duster

Calliandra californica

Description

The Baja fairy duster is a small mounding shrub with a twiggy branching habit that grows to 3-4 ft. tall and 4-5 ft. wide. Its tiny medium green leaves grow to 1 in. long and are divided into many leaflets; numerous showy red to rose colored flowers cover the plant after winter rains in the spring and again with summer irrigation.

Baja fairy duster is native to sandy washes, plains and hillsides in the cape region of Baja California. It is best adapted to hot and sunny exposure conditions in the Inland Empire and on well-draining soils. It combines well with other California natives in southwestern style gardens and becomes a striking accent plant during its flowering cycle.

Plant Type: Shrub, Native
Foliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Upright, Open, Low-branching
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage Color: Medium green
Flower Color: Red
Flower Season: Fall, Summer, Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Sand, Clay
Exposure Adaptations: Wind, Heat, Frost, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Function: Attracts butterflies, Small spaces, Wildlife value, Hummingbird plant, Flowering accent plant, Background plant
Height: 3 ft. – 5 ft.
Width: 4 ft. – 6 ft.

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