Calliandra surinamensis – Pink and White Powderpuff

Description

Calliandra surinamensis – Pink and White Powderpuff

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 8 seeds

Description

Calliandra surinamensis is a tropical South American shrub admired for its striking bicolour powderpuff blossoms. Each rounded flower head is composed of long stamens that are often white near the centre and pink toward the tips.

With many spreading branches and finely divided leaves, this is a lovely choice for a warm, sheltered garden where its unusual flowers can be admired at close range.

Key Features

• Flowers: Silky pink-and-white globes, with prominent stamens rather than large petals.
• Foliage: Fine-textured, twice-compound leaves and attractive new growth.
• Growth: Spreading tropical shrub that can be trained as a feature or flowering screen.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Well-drained soil with dependable moisture during establishment.
• Climate: Tropical and warm subtropical areas; protect against significant frost.
• Care: Prune lightly to retain a shapely plant and water during dry periods.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Soak seed overnight in lukewarm water.
2. Sow: Sow around 5 mm deep into a loose, free-draining seed-raising medium.
3. Germinate: Maintain steady warmth and moisture; prevent waterlogging.
4. Pot on: Transplant established seedlings individually and harden off gradually.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.