Originally from the tropical West Indies, this plant is widely grown for its exotic flowers and has escaped cultivation in some areas. It is evergreen in frost-free climates, but drops leaves in most regions. In the low deserts it is usually cut back almost to the ground in the winter months. It quickly regrows a rosette of upright, woody stems bearing lush compound leaves in the early summer, followed by bright orange and red flowers with long red stamens. This plant performs best in full sun and well-drained soils.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Red Bird of Paradise)
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Red Bird of Paradise, Pride of Barbados
Originally from the tropical West Indies, this plant is widely grown for its exotic flowers and has escaped cultivation in some areas. It is evergreen in frost-free climates, but drops leaves in most regions. In the low deserts it is usually cut back almost to the ground in the winter months. It quickly regrows a rosette of upright, woody stems bearing lush compound leaves in the early summer, followed by bright orange and red flowers with long red stamens. This plant performs best in full sun and well-drained soils.
| Plant Type | Shrub, Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 8 (10° F) |
| Flower Color | Orange |
| Flower Season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Height | 10' - 20' (ft) |
| Spread | 6' - 12' (ft) |
| Spacing | 12' (ft) |
| Characteristics | Evergreen, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Hummingbirds, Pollinators |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Cut Flowers, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Image by: MSWN
Image by: MSWN
Image by: MSWN
This catalog is for reference purposes. Plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
