Baja Fairy Duster
Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra californica) is a durable, easy to care for shrub that is native to Baja California, Mexico. It has a compact, mound-like shape with a rounded top. When in bloom, this drought-tolerant beauty produces abundant clusters of bright red, flirtatious flowers. This feathery evergreen foliage is an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes, rock gardens, containers, or borders. Baja Fairy Duster requires little maintenance and makes a great foundation plant for around your house.
These hardy plants need regular watering when first planted, but once established, they require very little moisture. As a drought-tolerant plant, they can survive in semi-dry conditions. During extended periods of rain, avoid overwatering. Ensure the soil is allowed to dry out in between waterings.
Baja Fairy Duster is best suited to full sun but will tolerate partial shade. When growing in partial shade, you may find flowering bud count to be diminished as it prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In regions with extreme heat, they can thrive in dappled light during the afternoon to provide shade and keep them cool.
In their natural habitat, Baja Fairy Duster thrives in temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29.5°C). They are frost sensitive, so take care to protect them during cold spells. In addition, they can suffer from salt tolerance, so take care if you live in a coastal climate with higher-than-average salt content in the air.
Baja Fairy Duster prefers an arid climate, but does not tolerate extremely dry conditions. As such, it is important to provide moisture in the air with regular misting or a nearby pan of water placed close to the shrub. Regular misting helps the foliage remain intact and the blooms colorful.
This adaptable shrub prefers a slightly acidic soil with high organic matter. The ideal soil type is sandy loam, which drains quickly but still has aerated soil structure. When planting, be sure to use loam with plenty of organic matter, and mixed with a few handfuls of perlite to increase aeration.
Fertilize your Baja Fairy Duster every other month during its active growing season. Choose a balanced fertilizer that is specially formulated for shrubs or flowering plants. Avoid chemical fertilizers, as these can damage the foliage or stunt the growth of the shrub.
Baja Fairy Duster is highly pest-resistant, but may be attractive to certain garden pests and diseases. Watch for signs of the black vine weevil, which likes to feed on the foliage, and aphids, which can weaken the stems. Common diseases to watch for include scale, and powdery mildew. For pests, spraying with a water hose on a regular basis is one way of deterring bugs from settling in. For mildew or scale, use a fungicide.
Baja Fairy Duster does not like to be moved, so repotting should be done sparingly. When it is necessary, wait for the start of warm weather, when the plant is in its active growing season. Repotting while it is dormant can shock the plant and set it back significantly.
Pruning should be minimal for this hardy shrub, as it grows best when it is allowed to take on its naturally mound-like shape. Prune only as needed to keep the plant looking healthy. An occasional trim of the dead tips will keep it neat and tidy. Prune in late winter or early spring for best results.
Mulching can go a long way when caring for a Baja Fairy Duster. A layer of mulch around the shrub will protect the roots from weeds and help retain moisture in the soil. Choose an organic mulch that won't interfere with the drainage of the soil.
Baja Fairy Duster can be propagated with softwood cuttings. Choose healthy cuttings in the early summer, and prepare the soil with peat and sand. Plant your cuttings in individual pots, and keep them inside for several weeks until the roots are established. When ready, transplant the shrubs outside in a sunny spot.
This shrub requires minimal support, however, during windy spells, a stake or two can help the plant from becoming too top-heavy. Attaching the stem lightly to the stake with twine or fishing line is preferred, as it is not necessary to bind the stem.
Baja Fairy Duster will benefit from a cooler rest period in late autumn or early winter. During this time, cut back the watering and the fertilizer, and allow the soil to completely dry between waterings. This will allow the plant to replenish essential energy needed for a healthy, blooming season.
Baja Fairy Duster is not toxic to cats or dogs, although they may not be particularly helpful if eaten.
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