Red Bird of Paradise
The Red bird of paradise is a remarkable flowering shrub that provides reliable, showy blooms for a long period of time, even in triple-digit heat.
With a high tolerance for heat and low to moderate water needs, this flower quickly gained popularity in warm and dry places like Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
If you'd like to add bright color and unique texture to your garden that doesn't require much maintenance, the Red bird of paradise should be on your list!
Botanical name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Other names: Barbados flower fence, Barbados Pride, Dwarf poinciana, Mexican bird of paradise, Peacock flower, Red Mexican bird of paradise
Red bird of paradise shrub decorating a wall
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Red bird of paradise Appearance
The most noticeable part of the Red bird of paradise is the bright yellow, orange, and red flowers at the top of the branches. These colors together make the flowers look like they’re glowing in the sun. Long, red stamens add to the interesting texture.
Blooms are followed by long seed pods containing dark-colored seeds.
Fern-like, green leaves with a hint of gray-blue. Each leaf that looks like a feather is actually made up of small leaflets that grow in pairs.
Evergreen or deciduous depending on climate. Leaves and flowers stay on plant year-round in tropical regions and shed in areas with cooler winters.
An upright, woody shrub that grows to 10 feet in height and width in Palm Springs.
Small, sharp thorns on stems.
Red bird of paradise Landscaping Tips
The red bird of paradise attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Very heat-resistant. Popular in areas such as the Coachella Valley, Las Vegas, and Phoenix that experience extreme heat.
Long blooming season, from spring to fall in the Coachella Valley.
Plant in full sun for maximum blooms. Partial shade is ok in very hot regions.
Very robust and vigorous. Quickly grows back after frost or heavy pruning.
To keep the plant to the desired size, you can cut the Red of paradise down to a couple of feet from the ground when it is dormant in winter.
Small thorns are sharp. Handle with gloves.
Very low maintenance. Not prone to pests, does not require continued pruning, and does not require lots of fertilizer to bloom.
Red bird of paradise Origin
The Caribbean and Mexico, in areas that enjoy tropical and subtropical weather
Red bird of paradise Care
Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile. The red bird of paradise is not a heavy feeder and tolerates poor soil. However, for best blooms, fertilize lightly during the growing season.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures slightly below frost (=32 degrees) for a short period of time. Will die back during frost, but will recover as long as the damage is not severe.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is ok in the Palm Springs area.
Red bird of paradise Problems
Pests: Common pests found on the Red bird of paradise in the Palm Springs region are mealybugs and spider mites.
To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of the infestation using a cotton swab.
To remove spider mites, use horticultural oil for crawlers and insecticidal soap for mites of all stages.
Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.
Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture
Signs of too little water: Shriveling, leaves, and flowers that shed prematurely
Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, stunted growth, few flowers
Red bird of paradise Propagation
The easiest way to propagate the Red bird of paradise is through cuttings. Use a sharp tool to get cuttings, and plant them in moist soil. Keep soil moist until well established.
FAQ
HOW MUCH DOES Red bird of paradise COST?
At our nursery, Red bird of paradise costs $25 for a 5-gallon container, and $75 for a 15-gallon container.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
What's the difference between the Red bird of paradise and the Mexican bird of paradise?
Red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and Mexican bird of paradise (Caesalpinia Mexicana) are so similar that the names are sometimes used interchangeably.
Although they have similar appearances and care needs, some differences are that the Red bird of paradise has darker colored flowers and smaller leaflets compared to the Mexican bird of paradise. Also, the Mexican bird of paradise can tolerate cooler temperatures.
How fast does the Red bird of paradise grow?
The red bird of paradise grows very fast, between 1 - 2 feet a year in the Coachella Valley.
Is Red bird of paradise evergreen?
Red bird of paradise is evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate. Leaves and flowers stay on plant year-round in areas in tropical regions. They will shed in areas with cooler winters.
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | 10 feet x 10 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Orange, red, yellow |
| FLOWER SEASON | Spring to Fall |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun |
| WATER | Low to Moderate |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| HARDINESS | 32º F, USDA Zone 9 |
| PRUNING | None |