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Plant of the Month
(July)
The Plant of the Month for July is Red bird of
paradise, Caesalpinia pulcherrima
It's in full splendor during July, and the spectacular, brilliant red
and yellow flowers of this plant can dominate a garden scene. Lush,
fernlike leaves provide a luxuriant tropical effect from spring until
the arrival of cold temperatures, when plants go dormant and drop their
leaves. Due to their deciduous nature, it is best to use them as a
background with an evergreen shrub such as Cassia species in the foreground. Red bird of paradise is a favorite
in low-elevation and medium elevation deserts and other hot areas,
blooming profusely even in the heat.
Plants grow up to 8 to 10 feet high with an equal
spread, but can remain much smaller with irregular water and in
difficult soils. Locate them in full sun. Hardy to temperatures dropping
to 28F to 30F. Moderate to high water use for best appearance.
Growth
can so exuberant you may need to control plants in midsummer. Wait to do
major pruning in late winter or early spring after danger of frost has
passed. At that time cut plant stems to 6 to 12 inches above ground. A
vigorous surge of new growth will come on as temperatures warm in
spring. Accepts most any well-draining soil. When planting, space at
10-foot centers to allow for wide spread. |
