Fact Sheet ST-109November 1993

Calliandra surinamensis

Figure 1. Middle-aged Pink Powderpuff.

Pink Powderpuff 1

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2

INTRODUCTION

This large, multiple trunked, low-branching,evergreen shrub has silky leaflets which are glossycopper when new, turning to a dark metallic green(Fig. 1). The profuse, fragrant bloom is the mainreason for its popularity, with big puffs, two to threeinches across, of watermelon pink and white silkystamens, produced during warm months.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Scientific name: Calliandra surinamensisPronunciation: kal-ee-AN-druh ser-ih-nuh-MEN-sisCommon name(s): Pink PowderpuffFamily: LeguminosaeUSDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (Fig. 2)Origin: not native to North AmericaUses: container or above-ground planter; espalier;hedge; recommended for buffer strips around parkinglots or for median strip plantings in the highway; neara deck or patio; trainable as a standard; specimenAvailability: grown in small quantities by a smallnumber of nurseries

DESCRIPTION

Height: 12 to 15 feetSpread: 10 to 15 feetCrown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with aregular (or smooth) outline, and individuals have moreor less identical crown formsCrown shape: round; vase shapeCrown density: openGrowth rate: fast

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)Leaf type: bipinnately compound; even pinnatelycompoundLeaflet margin: entireLeaflet shape: oblongLeaflet venation: bowed; parallel; pinnateLeaf type and persistence: evergreenLeaflet blade length: 2 to 4 inches; less than 2inchesLeaf color: greenFall color: no fall color changeFall characteristic: not showy

1. This document is adapted from Fact Sheet ST-109, a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service,Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: November 1993.

2. Edward F. Gilman, associate professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, associate professor, Agricultural EngineeringDepartment, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.

Calliandra surinamensis -- Pink Powderpuff Page 2

Flower

Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.

Flower color: pinkFlower characteristics: pleasant fragrance; showy;year round flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: podFruit length: 3 to 6 inchesFruit covering: dry or hardFruit color: brownFruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife;inconspicuous and not showy; no significant litterproblem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: bark is thin and easilydamaged from mechanical impact; droop as the treegrows, and will require pruning for vehicular orpedestrian clearance beneath the canopy; routinelygrown with, or trainable to be grown with, multipletrunks; not particularly showy; no thornsPruning requirement: requires pruning to developstrong structure

Breakage: resistantCurrent year twig color: brown; green; grayCurrent year twig thickness: medium; thin

Culture

Light requirement: tree grows in part shade/part sun;tree grows in full sunSoil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; slightly alkaline;acidic; well-drainedDrought tolerance: high

Other

Roots: surface roots are usually not a problemWinter interest: tree has winter interest due tounusual form, nice persistent fruits, showy wintertrunk, or winter flowersOutstanding tree: not particularly outstandingInvasive potential: No entries found.Pest resistance: long-term health usually notaffected by pests

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USE AND MANAGEMENT

Figure 3. Foliage of Pink Powderpuff.

With rapid growth in sandy soils and full sun,Powderpuff bush will respond favorably to regularwatering while young but should require no specialcare once established except an occasional pruning tokeep it within bounds. Pinching new growth increasesthe number of branches and enhances flower display.Powderpuff bush may be used as a tall (five to six-foot) flowering hedge and is often seen as a small,flowering specimen tree with the lower branchespruned off. Powderpuff can grow to about 15 feet tallwhen pruned into a small tree. The long, archingbranches form an attractive canopy suitable for patioor container plantings.

Although plants are damaged by freezingtemperatures, they grow back from the base in thespring in USDA hardiness zone 9.

Propagation is by seed or cuttings.

Pests

While usually pest-free, Powderpuff bush can beoccasionally infested by mites, caterpillars, or otherchewing insects.

Diseases

No diseases are of major concern.