Caesalpinia pulcherrima aka Pride Of Barbados

Taxonomy

Genus Caesalpinia Family Fabaceae Order Fabales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Caesalpinia pulcherrima, also known as poinciana, peacock flower, red bird of paradise, Mexican bird of paradise, dwarf poinciana, pride of Barbados, flos pavonis, and flamboyant-de-jardin, is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, but its exact origin is unknown due to widespread cultivation. The plant has bright red, orange, and yellow bowl-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and it has a good tolerance for drought, making it a favorite for desert landscapes. The leaves are long and pointed, resembling ferns, and the stems and branches have prickles. In Hawaii, the flowers are popular for use in leis. The Pride of Barbados, a member of the Fabaceae family, is a deciduous shrub in zone 9 and perennial in zone 8. It is originally from Mexico and the Caribbean and features beautiful showy orange-red flowers and fern-like leaves. In the tropics, it may grow 15-20 feet tall and equally as wide.

Common names

Pride Of Barbados, Mexican Bird Of Paradise, Peacock Flower

How to care for Pride Of Barbados

Difficulty

Pride Of Barbados is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Pride Of Barbados should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pride Of Barbados loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Pride Of Barbados requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pride Of Barbados will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Pride Of Barbados is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

More info:
Wikipedia