Plant of the Month

RED BIRD OF PARADISE 

(Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

By Pam Albo

This sub-tropical shrub is used extensively in the Phoenix area for its extravagant, showy flowers, its incredible heat tolerance, and drought resistance. Red Bird of Paradise is a rounded, open shrub with green, feathery leaves. The inch-wide flower clusters are a deep orange and yellow.

Red Bird of Paradise shows off its striking flowers from spring to fall, much to the delight of hummingbirds and butterflies. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. It is a fast grower to 6’ high and 6’ wide.