Pride of Barbados, Peacock Flower or Red Bird of Paradise

Botanical Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima

Native Region/Environment: Widespread cultivation has made its true origins questionable as to either the West Indies or tropical Americas

Sun/Light: Full sun. The hottest, sunniest location should be fine.

Temperature: Indoor houseplant in a warm, sunny location; USDA Hardiness Zones 8b-12

Water: Infrequent but deep watering is recommended, drought tolerant once established.  If dormant, soil should be very free draining.

Soil: Adaptable most soil types, except boggy. The richer the soil the better the flower growth.

Growth Pattern: In Zone 8 it is an annual; in Zone 9 a die back perennial and in Zones 10 and above it is an evergreen shrub.  A versatile plant that can grow to a small tree, with pruning, or large bush, without shaping, in frost free regions or it can be pruned to small bush or even a hedge.

Mature Size: May be grown as a stunning potted plant or direct sown as an annual in cooler climates with a maximum height of 2-4'; or in the warmer regions, an unpruned perennial can grow 15' x 15', after a few years.

Attributes: Absolutely stunning flowers on this ever blooming bush provided warm weather persists. The flowers are ball-shaped, typically fire engine red, that then open to brilliant yellow and vibrant oranges which fade back into bright red hues.  The color transformation is reminiscent of a slow motion flame, especially since the flowers number around 40 and open progressively up an organized spike-like racemes.  Flowering is only from new growth so periodic pruning throughout the season is advised.

'Pulcher', in the name, is Latin for 'beauty'.

Attractor: Several butterfly species including Sulfurs and Swallowtails.

Pot: 1/2 gallon rooting bag