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Pink Fairy Duster

Caliandra eriophylla

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Pink Fairy Duster

In stock

3'x3'

Sizes:

Pink Fairy Duster – Calliandra eriophylla

Also known as: False Mesquite

Calliandra eriophylla, commonly known as Pink Fairy Duster, is a low, airy desert shrub native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, extending south into Baja California. Locally, it can be found in areas like Anza-Borrego. It typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with no thorns and fine, feathery dark green foliage that lends a soft texture to the landscape. The growth form is open and graceful.

This species produces distinctive, fluffy pink flowers that resemble tiny powder puffs for an extended season from spring through fall, especially with regular irrigation. I read one description that said the cotton-candy pink “powderpuff” flowers looked like something a unicorn would eat. The blooms are most abundant following rain, and flowering may slow during the hottest and driest months without supplemental water. After pollination, it forms small, flat seed pods that dry and split open, flinging seeds away from the parent plant.

Although it is drought-tolerant once established, C. eriophylla occurs naturally in areas with some subsurface water year-round and appreciates supplemental irrigation in cultivation. Without it, the plant may partially defoliate in summer. It performs well in full sun but also tolerates light shade. Well-draining soils are best.

Unlike its more widely available relative Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster), which has deep red flowers, C. eriophylla is more subtle in color and texture. It is a great choice for pollinator gardens, slopes, and desert habitat gardens. It can be left to grow naturally or pruned for a more compact form. While not generally noted as rabbit- or deer-resistant in literature, I have never had an issue with rabbits eating mine. To date, I've not had a problem with unicorns.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Queen (Danaus gilippus); Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus); Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
Bird Resources: Nectar; Insects; Nest Material
Bird Species: Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Bees: Native Bees — including Sweat Bees (Halictidae), Digger Bees (Anthophora spp.), and Leafcutter Bees (Megachile spp.)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low; Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Part Shade

Mature size:

3'x3'

Growth rate:

Slow - Moderate

Flower color:

Pink

Flower season:

Spring - Fall

Pruning:

Do not Shear! Best left natural shape with only pruning single branches to promote growth.

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.