Powder Puff
Calliandra haematocephala
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Powder Puff
Powder Puff (Calliandra haematocephala) is a tropical large shrub or small tree native to Bolivia, renowned for its spectacular, spherical flower heads composed entirely of long, silky crimson stamens that give the appearance of a powder puff. The bipinnately compound leaves are coppery-bronze when new, maturing to deep green. Widely grown in South Florida and tropical gardens for its bold, long-season floral display that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Red, Pink
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun for best flowering; tolerates light part shade but bloom production declines. In NE Florida sandy soils, full sun also promotes the fastest establishment.
Water regularly until established; once established, Powder Puff is drought-tolerant and needs only occasional supplemental irrigation during extended dry spells. Avoid waterlogged soils.
Thrives in NE Florida sandy, well-drained soils; no special soil amendment needed. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8) in spring and summer to encourage lush growth and flowering.
Similar needs
Fiddlewood
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Podocarpus
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
African Iris
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Agapanthus
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Crinum Lily
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Daylily
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Powder Puff a good plant for St. Augustine?
Powder Puff is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 8-15 feet × 8-12 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.