Plant This: Pride of Barbados
During a quick visit to the San Antonio Botanical Garden (more on that later), I spent a good five minutes just admiring this Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima ) in a parking-lot island. Also known as dwarf poinciana and red bird of paradise, this showy tropical is a summer favorite in Austin too, where it dies to the ground in winter but usually returns in spring.
Its little ruffled petals put me in mind of flouncy can-can skirts, as does its exuberant color. In contrast, its leaves are delicate and ferny, unlike the broad foliage of so many tropicals.
As you can see, it attracts non-human admirers too. Plus it thrives with very little water.
Every summer I see poinciana flaunting its 7-foot-tall-and-wide, frilly self all over town and think that I’d love to have one. But it’s just too big and tropical for my small cottage garden. Can’t-can’t do the can-can. Sigh.
Note: My Plant This posts are written primarily for gardeners in central Texas. The plants I recommend are ones I’ve grown myself and have direct experience with. I wish I could provide more information about how these plants might perform in other parts of the country, but gardening knowledge is local. Consider checking your local online gardening forums to see if a particular plant might work in your region.
All material © 2006-2013 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Those are some in-your-face sex parts!
whoa! Does that outstanding flower unravel from those smooth little polka-dots above? wowee.
Chuck and Kris—yes, and yes! —Pam
What an unusual plant! I understand why you would want one too. Alas your garden is too small. Speaking of size, come have a look at Bliss where size is the issue today. 😉
Stunning photos–thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome. Thanks for commenting. I just visited your blog and enjoyed your Colorado and Taos photos. Lovely! —Pam
Were these shots taken with your new camera? If so, you must be happy with it. I’ve coveted Pride of Barbados for years–now that I have some sun, I might finally get around to planting one.
They were, and I am! Aren’t you lucky to have room for this beauty? I’ll have to enjoy it vicariously through your blog, if you plant one. —Pam
This is the national flower of Barbados where I live but it is not grown by many people. It can be found in older gardens planted as hedges. Many new gardeners are yet to discover this beautiful plant.
How interesting, Helen. It’s grown everywhere in Austin as a big, colorful (cold-tender) perennial. Thanks for dropping by. —Pam
To root from seeds, does the soil need to be kept damp or will the seeds sprout in dry soil?
I really don’t know, Mary. I haven’t grown it myself, from seed or otherwise. You might try calling your local Master Gardeners association to see if they can answer your question. —Pam