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Baja Fairy Duster

Calliandra californica

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1 gallon; 5 gallon

Plant Care

Baja Fairy Duster

Out of stock

4-6’ x 4-6’

Sizes:

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low-Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Reflected Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

4-6’ x 4-6’

Growth rate:

Moderate-Fast

Flower color:

Red-orange

Flower season:

Year-Round

Pruning:

Prune hard after frost. Otherwise to shape

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Calliandra californica – Baja Fairy Duster

If you enjoy the antics of hummingbirds, be sure to include a few Baja Fairy Dusters in your garden. Their bright red-orange, tufted flowers provide year-around color and nectar, with the showiest displays from spring through fall. Baja Fairy Duster has ferny green foliage and an open, irregular form that lends itself well to natural landscapes. Mature plants reach 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. It thrives in full sun or part shade and tolerates most soil types. Temperatures below 20° F may cause twig damage. Prune lightly in late spring; avoid heavy pruning as it inhibits flowering. Native to northwestern Mexico.

Wildlife Value
Baja Fairy Duster’s bright flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, especially Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), which favors native nectar plants. The nectar also attracts various native bees and butterflies, providing important foraging resources in desert-edge gardens.

Host Plant:

Nectar Source: Anna’s (C. anna), Costa’s (C. costae), native bees/butterflies (general)

Bird Resources: Nectar; insects

Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Bees: Native bees

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.