Calliandra x Sierra Star RPP15387

Good morning fellow plant lovers!

You all have a few plants that really stick out in your mind as those that are great, those you wish you could use on every job or design. For some, we didn’t always love these favorites, maybe only in the beginning.  I’ll admit, when I first learned of this beauty I thought the same thing though...It’s kind of twiggy and does it get any fuller?  Not sure I really need any of those??  And then I learned more about Calliandra x Sierra Starr®PP15387 and how much the year round dazzling red flowers attract hummingbirds and how drought tolerant it is.  The cross of Calliandra eriophylla and Calliandra californica resulted in a great new hybrid that stays smaller, and produces almost constant flowers. In terms of the bushiness, the leaves do vary in size depending mostly on the amount of moisture in the soil and the air. The plant will fill in…just be patient. This compact plant is considered rather slow growing which is perfect for what we need with our drought conditions. ( I know our info sheet says it grows fast and that only if there is constant higher humidity with warmer temperatures.) Actually, plants that grow slower have a better chance of adapting to tough situations. I’ll give you an example: Calliandra x Sierra Starr® PP15387 was planted in a median where it was so compacted by roots that the roots were raising the soil level above the curbs.  Not many plants could survive that competition, but this one has and blooms all the time!  I’ve seen it in countless situations. Where many would fail, it shines, including my own yard which is basically clay and rocks.  Take a look at the info sheet and pictures attached.  This super low maintenance, dynamite shrub deserves your attention.  We have them available again in 5gallons with great availability for hopefully months to come. 

A dazzling red bloomer just in time for July 4th!  Enjoy the rest of your week!

Wendy