Fairyduster

Carried by 11 nurseries

Estimated plant range Estimated plant range

Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Plant description

Fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla) is a low, spreading shrub with dense clusters of pink flowers, which appear between late winter and late spring. It looks like a pink mist when in full bloom. Seed pods follow. This plant makes a good accent in drought-tolerant plantings. It grows 1 to3 feet tall and 3 feet wide with a slow to moderate growth rate.

Although it is a desert plant, its water requirements are higher than most. It is typically found where there is some subsurface water year-round. This species should not be confused with Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra californica), a Baja endemic with deep red flowers, which is more commonly available in the horticultural trade.

Fairy duster likes good drainage and full sun. It will prefer afternoon shade in hotter inland areas. It will keep its leaves and look better in summer with occasional deep watering, about 3 times per month. However it does not need summer water once established. It prefers sandy or decomposed granite soil.

Plant overview

Plant type

Shrub

Size

1 - 3 ft Tall
3 ft Wide

Form

Rounded

Growth rate

Slow, Moderate

Dormancy

Evergreen

Fragrance

None

Color

Purple, Pink

Flowering season

Spring, Winter

Special uses

Containers

Landscaping information

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Very Low, Low

Summer irrigation

Max 3x / month once established

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 25° F

Soil drainage

Fast

Soil description

Prefers sandy or decomposed granite soil.
Soil PH: 6.0 - 8.0

Propagation

For propagating by seed: Scarify or soak in tap water 12 to 24 hours.

Natural setting

Site type

Sandy washes, slopes, mesas

Plant communities

Creosote Bush Scrub

Companion plants

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Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis ssp. arcuata), California Fan Palm, Desert Lavender (Condea emoryi), Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata), Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens), Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), Blue Paloverde, White Bursage (Ambrosia dumosa), Chuparosa (Justicia californica), Barrel Cactus, Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), Indigo Bush, Apricot Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua var. rugosa), Opuntia spp., numerous annual wildflowers

Caterpillars

Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 0 likely

Confirmed Likely

See all

Merry Melipotis

Melipotis jucunda

Alternative names

Common names:

False Mesquite, Falsemesquite, Baja Fairyduster

Sources

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