Red powder puff Calliandra haematocephala
Red powder puff (Calliandra haematocephala) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Bolivia, Peru and Brazil. It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Red powder puff in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Red powder puff at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Bolivia, Peru and Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇳 India, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Red powder puff toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Red powder puff
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Red powder puff
- How far apart should I plant Red powder puff?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Red powder puff need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Red powder puff need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Red powder puff?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Red powder puff flower?
- From about October for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Red powder puff poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Red powder puff?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Round puffs of crimson stamens up to 8 cm across from autumn to spring, loved by hummingbirds and sunbirds; the leaflets fold together at night.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis