Calliandra haematocephala, commonly known as Red Powder Puff, is an evergreen shrub native to Bolivia, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including tropical forests, plains, and arroyos. It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), but can reach larger sizes in ideal conditions. The shrub features branched pinnate, silky leaves that fold up at night and showy, spherical flower heads composed of numerous dark crimson stamens, resembling powder puffs. These flowers, which can also be pink, red, or white, bloom in the spring, summer, and fall, with peak flowering from November to April, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Red Powder Puff is valued for its ornamental flowers, rapid growth, and the ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in tropical and subtropical gardens for border planting, as a specimen plant, or even as an indoor potted plant if pruned regularly. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, requires medium water, and grows best in well-drained soils. While it is not typically invasive, it can spread wide, so space should be considered when planting. Pruning can maintain its size and shape, and it is relatively low maintenance, although it may be susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs in dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0