Plant Fact Sheet

Fabaceae
Baja Fairy Duster
Calliandra californica

Calliandra californica is endemic to Baja California and occurs on gravelly flats, hillsides and desert washes. In Baja California Calliandra is locally referred to as Tabardillo or Zapotillo and within the horticulture industry is commonly referred to as Baja Fairy Duster.

Calliandra’s prolific, long-lasting, and spectacular bloom make it hard to beat as a colorful accentuating shrub for the garden. Brilliant red puff-like flowers bloom almost all year long in the Coachella Valley with peak bloom time occurring in late spring. A location in full sun and supplemental water in the summer will increase blooming significantly. Flowers are favored by hummingbirds and plants should be present in any desert hummingbird garden.

Baja Fairy Duster, which can obtain a height and width of 4 feet, is particularly easy to maintain. It is not necessary to prune Calliandra but the plant will respond to a light or even heavy pruning during the fall or early spring. If pruning becomes necessary be sure to never prune the plant below 16” and most importantly prune in a way that compliments the natural form of the plant rather than create a formal confined look. Established Calliandra plants should be watered approximately twice a month during the winter months and once a week during the warm months. Young plants will need supplemental water. Baja Fairy Duster is susceptible to frost (hardy to 25°F) but is both pest and disease resistant.

The small dark green leaves of C.californica lend this plant a lush and almost tropical feel that can be used effectively in the desert oasis landscape. In the Hummingbird Garden at The Living Desert, we have created this look by placing Baja Fairy Duster at the base of a grouping of California Fan Palms (Washingtonia filifera). Taking a walk through our Baja Canyon and Viscaino Gardens will provide additional examples of how to use Calliandra in the landscape. If a more arid look is desirable for a garden Calliandra eriophylla makes a great alternative to Baja Fairy Duster. In early spring C.eriophylla becomes covered with delicate but bright pink puff-balls that add a relatively unique look to a desert garden. In overall appearance C.eriophylla is a low growing shrub, 2 feet high by 3 feet wide, that has an airy appearance with its light green leaves and loosely branched structure.