Baja Fairy Duster

Baja Fairy Duster, Calliandra californica is one of those desert native plants that no xeriscape garden should be without. These striking and attractive semi-evergreen shrubs provide a great punch of both texture and color that seem to be typical attributes of many desert natives. And just like all desert natives Baja Fairy Duster's are a high-monthly-water-bills best friend because the plant is naturally drought tolerant. They are also attractive to wildlife which makes the experience of having these in the garden a bonus.

As the name suggests these shrubs are native to Baja, California, Mexico where they are generally found in areas that are sandy or gravelly, and on hillsides and in desert washes. Baja Fairy Duster has a naturally graceful slightly arching growth habit that adds a tremendous amount of texture and interest to the garden. The plant is a profuse bloomer nearly all year long in fact and produces bright red, powder puff type flowers that are very similar to the tufts of the Apache Plume; flowers are generally about and inch to an inch and a half in size. The leaves are similar to those of the Desert Bird-of-Paradise and are somewhat small, compound leaves that are darker in color that that of the DBOP.

Baja Fairy Duster will generally reach 6 feet in height and nearly as wide so make sure the area you plan to plant them in can accommodate large plantings. And yes I said "them." If possible plant Baja Fairy Duster "en masse" for a dramatic and colorful effect. They take infrequent water but do look and perform best when given regular water in the hottest parts of summer. Baja Fairy Duster can take cold weather, down to about 20 degrees, but will do better if sheltered from the cold, drying winds of winter. If necessary the plant can take occasional pruning but because of its natural arching appearance pruning is rarely needed.

Baja Fairy Duster is another one of those desert natives that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. Because these flowers produce an abundance of nectar hummingbirds can become quite territorial over them. If introducing plants that attract hummingbirds is something you are looking for make then be sure to include Baja Fairy Duster in your garden. They won't disappoint.