Dwarf red powderpuff shrub

18 years ago

IÂd love to have the input of fellow gardeners who have grown the dwarf powderpuff shrub. IÂve found the dwarf IDÂd as "calliandra haematocephala ÂnanaÂ" but also as "calliandra emarginata" Are these alternate names for the same plant?

In my commuity IÂve seen some appealing specimens of this plant as well as some struggling ones. If you grow it, what conditions have enabled it to thrive or, on the otherhand, to struggle. Is it prone to particular insects/bugs that, untreated, may be the reason for the disappointing specimens IÂve observed?

There are so many desirable plants and too little space in my garden. I prefer to give a home to those that are generally healthy and easier to grow.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience - June

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Comments (6)

annafl
18 years ago
Hi June!

I'm not sure of the correct name, but most nurseries will know them as dwarf powderpuff, and the leaf and plant is much smaller than the regular powderpuff.

I have a small 'grove' of them, maybe 4 or 5 that are in a grouping. They reseed a little, but don't transplant well, so I've just left a few seedlings to grow. I have mine in dappled shade of oaks. They bloom well there on and off all the warm months. Mine are in an area where they get once weekly irrigation, but I don't think they really care whether they get it or not. I never fertilize them. They never get bugs. They are completely carefree. They are pretty well mulched all the time with woodchips that I use throughout all my beds. I don't know if that is important. Hummingbirds and honeybees love them. Now that the hummers are gone, they are a buzz with busy bees which I love. I don't know if this is really true, but perhaps they appreciate a bit of shade. It seems that the ones I've seen in full sun were a bit tired? I'm sure you'll hear from others who have them in full sun and love how they do there!

Anna
minibim
18 years ago
They both are commonly known as dwarf powerpuff, but they are 2 distinct trees. I have C. emarginata and I'd almost label it a "must have".

It's small, max height is about 6 feet and almost equally wide. It's in bloom almost 365 days a year, the bees, butterflies, hummers etc. love it. Actually the few times I see a hummer is usually on the powerpuff. It's maintenance free, needs no fertilizer to bloom, cares less about the type of soil, drought tolerant.
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katkin_gw
18 years ago
I have mine in dappled shade also and it seems to do well there. Lots of blooms. Water 2x a week from sprinklers and fertilizer when I do the rest, maybe 2x a year.
Lisa Brown
18 years ago
I've been wondering about that one too, it's so pretty. Hmmmm where can I put one? LOL
Lisa B
juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl
Original Author
18 years ago
Wow, what a beautiful display, Anna. Who could not want this after seeing your grove? I'm sold! Thanks to all - June
gloria4575_aol_com
15 years ago
I have two dwarf powder puffs growing in my front yard. They are both very yellow and only one is blooming. What can I do to reverse this?