Fairy Duster

Full scorching summer sun; semi-evergreen in warm winters (below 20-25 degrees it will die back to the roots). A dense, woody shrub with velvety fernlike leaves and profuse red puff blooms throughout the warm season. Excellent in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and around reflected heat.

‘Sierra Star’ is a recent hybrid of two western calliandras that has performed well in local settings; the roots grow slowly on their own, so expect some supplemental irrigation to establish it the first summer. The red blooms and soft shape make a nice contrast for paler and more strongly formed desert plants.