Calliandra haematocephala

[SubTropicRay]

What is the red powder puff's cold tolerance?

Thanks,

Ray

[Eric in Orlando]

Ray, that will grow easily for you. They are good to about 26-27 before major damage occurs, any colder kills them back but they grow back fast. They can be also trained into a small tree.

If you can find Calliandra surinamensis, get it. It has pink flowers and blooms most of the year, C. haematocephala just blooms in winter and early spring. It attracts hummingbirds like mad.

Also C. tergamina var emarginata is a nice shrub. It has small red flowers and blooms all hear. Its called Dwarf Powerderpuff but can grow 6-7ft. It does tolerate pruning and can be kept smaller or even as a small hedge.

Calliandra surinamensis

Calliandra tergamina var emarginata

[ron@springhammock]

I have one that froze to the ground at temps bottoming out at 26F. I also have another one under heavy oak canopy and no damage. Fortunately, they don’t need a lot of sun to bloom.

[peachy]

They take the cold very well here. With just a bit of natural protection they dont frost at all. Out in the open the leaves will burn and fall off but soon grow back again. I have a couple here about 12 years old now and they never get watered fed or protected from the elements anymore and they are doing fine and have survived a -5 C frost episode.

Peachy