Caesalpinia gilliesii
bird of paradise
A large evergreen shrub or small tree, with 2-pinnate leaves composed of tiny oblong leaflets, and showy yellow flowers 3cm across, with long crimson stamens
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
A genus of flowering plants, native to tropical and subtropical America with feathery green foliage and exotic yellow flowers with long red stamens
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Chile to Uruguay
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in full sun in a frost-free area in moist but well-drained soil. Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Plants under glass may need a restrictive prune after the first flush of flowers
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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