POWDER puffs are pieces of soft material used for the application of face powder. They may be shaped as balls or pads. The Powder Puff plant, whose Latin name is Calliandra haematocephala (kal-ee-AN-druh hee-mat-oh-SEF-uh-luh), (Family: Mimosaceae) is native to India, Mexico, Madagascar, South America, and the United States.

It receives its popular name from the remarkable resemblance of its flowers to the powder puffs used by females to powder their faces.

The plant is also known as the Fairy Duster.

The distinctive feature of this plant is, of course, the unusual puff-ball nature of its flowers.

The blossom itself is a spectacular vivid crimson pompom about two inches in diameter, which literally covers the plant like a gaudily decorated Christmas tree when in full bloom.

These flowers are an irresistible attraction for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and other nectar-seekers.

The plant’s abundant evergreen foliage is a rich, shiny green composed of delicate compound leaves that appear almost fern-like. The leaves fold up tightly like praying hands at night. The buds resemble small berries.

The Powder Puff plant is a fast-growing shrub which can grow into a tree of up to approximately four feet in height, but can easily be trimmed and maintained at a smaller size, if desired.

It can be grown as a hedge, or merely be used as a shrub; as an attractive single specimen plant; or in group plantings in the landscape for display of its pretty red puffs.

It is one of the many shrubs that grace our Botanical Gardens.

The Powder Puff plant is very easy to care, doing best with moderate humidity. It should be planted in well-drained soil kept evenly moist, and should be fed with good quality plant food twice annually. An occasional application of fertilizer is beneficial, and will result in a richer green foliage colour.

It should be pruned to the desired size when growing vigorously.

The Powder Puff plant is very self-sufficient, and grows without any apparent disease or insect problems.