Calliandra haematocarpa

A small, shrub-like evergreen tree that is common in Israel. The tree’s flowers are decorative and last year-round, except for cold periods when it stops growing and flowering. The pink flowers are beautiful, with a spherical appearance (like a hairy pompom) obtained from the long stamens, very similar to the flowers of Albizia julibrissin. The pod-shaped fruit is brown and flat.

Calliandra haematocarpa grows quickly. Despite its tropical origin, it requires little water, and once established, only heavy watering once every two–three weeks is necessary. It is highly resistant to disease and pests. It has a medium life span. It is resistant to heat and heatwaves. It will be fine in short cold spells, but it suffers from extended cold periods. Therefore, it is not suitable for high mountains. It likes well-drained soil, so it is not suitable for heavy soil, nor for saline or chalky soil.

It is a successful garden and ornamental tree due to its size, durability and continuous flowering and because its nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds. Good for planting on its own, in a garden or on a patio. And in its shrub-like configuration, it can be used, as an individual or as a small group, for privacy. If you want to preserve the look of a tree, it is important to design Calliandra haematocarpa properly from its youth: maintain a central trunk, remove small offshoots and prune in a way that elevates the trunk and maintains a vase-shaped canopy. In cold winters, the tips of the branches will dry out, and it is recommended to remove these branches at the beginning of spring.