Peacock Flower

(Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

Peacock Flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Caesalpinia pulcherrima image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Caesalpinia pulcherrima, commonly known as Peacock Flower or Poinciana, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and savannahs in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It typically grows to about 3 meters tall but can reach over 5 meters in height in frost-free climates such as Hawaii, where it is evergreen. The Peacock Flower is known for its fern-like foliage and showy flowers, which bloom in warm months, providing a long-lasting display of yellow, orange, or red petals arranged in racemes up to 20 cm long. The fruit is a pod 6–12 cm long.

This species thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. The Peacock Flower is a popular ornamental plant in warm climates with mild winters due to its striking inflorescence and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is used in tropical and subtropical gardens for border planting, as a specimen plant, or for creating informal hedges. While it is sensitive to cold and may die back in areas with light to moderate freezing, it will typically regrow from the roots in mid- to late spring. Gardeners should be aware that Caesalpinia pulcherrima can be potentially invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 10-20 feet
  • Width: 6-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to tropical deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and savannahs in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean

Other Names

Common Names: Dwarf Poinciana , Flowerfence , Red Bird Of Paradise , Barbados Flower Fence , Barbados-Pride , Flower-Fence , Barbados Pride , Paradise Flower , Mexican Bird Of Paradise , Pride Of Barbados

Scientific Names: Caesalpinia pulcherrima , Poinciana pulcherrima , Poinciana elata , Caesalpinia pulcherrima subsp. flava , Caesalpinia pulcherrima f. flava , Caesalpinia pulcherrima var. flava , Poinciana alata , Caesalpinia hispida , Caesalpinia pulcherrima var. insignis , Poinciana bijuga

GBIF Accepted Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.