Winter Deals: 15% OFF Strawberry Trees - Barbados Cherries - Papayas
15% Off Vitex & Sweet Almond
Shipping nationwide across the continental U.S.! 🌱
📦 Shipping to California has officially resumed!!
🌸 Powder Puff Tree – Calliandra haematocephala 🌿
Bring your landscape to life with one of the most stunning and functional plants you can grow! The Powder Puff Tree (Calliandra haematocephala) offers dazzling, pink-red puffball blooms and plays an essential role in soil health — acting as a powerful nitrogen fixer to naturally fertilize your surrounding fruit trees and perennials. 🌺💚
Whether you’re building a food forest, establishing a pollinator hedge, or simply want an eco-friendly landscape centerpiece, this tropical gem belongs in your collection.
🌿 QUICK FACTS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Calliandra haematocephala |
| Plant Type | Tropical nitrogen-fixing shrub / small tree |
| Sale Size | Ships in 4” pot (young starter, 6–10” tall) |
| Estimated Age | 3–6 months |
| Mature Height | 10–15 ft (unpruned) / 4–6 ft (pruned) |
| Mature Width | 8–12 ft canopy spread |
| USDA Zones | 9–12 |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun to partial sun (6+ hours) |
| Cold Hardiness | Down to 25°F (protect young plants during frost) |
| Growth Habit | Fast-growing, multi-branched, dense shrub |
| Spacing | 8–10 ft for full-sized specimens, 4–6 ft for hedges |
| Soil Preference | Well-draining; adapts to loamy, sandy, or rocky soils |
| Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant after establishment |
| Wind/Salt Tolerance | Moderate; can handle coastal breezes with protection |
🌸 BLOOMS & BIOLOGY
This eye-catching tropical shrub bursts into brilliant red or deep pink puffball flowers, drawing in hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies by the dozens! Blooms appear from late fall through early spring, with sporadic flowering throughout the year in warm climates.
🌺 Flower Type: Soft, brush-like clusters of filament stamens
🦋 Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
🍃 Foliage: Fern-like compound leaves that close slightly at night
🌱 WHY GROW POWDER PUFF IN YOUR FOOD FOREST
🌿 Nature’s Soil Enricher
As a nitrogen-fixing species, Calliandra haematocephala forms a symbiotic relationship with beneficial root bacteria that draw nitrogen from the atmosphere and deposit it into the soil. This process feeds neighboring plants, enhancing fertility and reducing your need for synthetic fertilizers.
🌾 The Perfect Companion Plant
Use Powder Puff as a support species between young fruit trees and perennials. It provides filtered shade, organic matter, and nutrient cycling to boost early growth of sensitive crops.
♻️ Great for Chop & Drop
Regular pruning creates abundant biomass — chop back branches and use the trimmings as mulch to feed soil microbes and retain moisture.
🐝 Pollinator & Habitat Value
Few plants combine beauty and function as well. Powder Puff supports biodiversity, attracts beneficial insects, and provides nesting cover for small wildlife.
🌎 ORIGIN STORY & FUN FACTS
Native to Bolivia and tropical South America, Calliandra haematocephala has become a beloved ornamental across the tropics and subtropics for its vibrant, “powder puff” blooms. Its name comes from the Greek kallos (“beautiful”) and andros (“stamen”)—literally meaning “beautiful stamens.”
Early permaculture practitioners adopted Powder Puff as a go-to nitrogen-fixing shrub for warm climates, pairing it with fruit trees like mango, banana, and avocado for better yields and faster establishment.
🪴 CONTAINER & LANDSCAPE USE
🌿 Ideal for Food Forest Guilds – Plant near nitrogen-hungry trees like guava, jaboticaba, citrus, or mulberry.
🪴 Great in Containers – Keep in a pot for 6–12 months while it develops roots; prune lightly to maintain compact form.
🌸 Landscape Accent or Hedge – Perfect for pollinator hedgerows, garden borders, or privacy screens.
💡 Pro Tip: Even small 4” starter plants establish quickly — expect robust growth within one growing season under warm, sunny conditions.
🌞 BEST PRACTICES FOR PLANTING & CARE
🌿 WHERE TO PLANT
Select a full-sun location with good drainage. Powder Puff thrives in sandy or loamy soils and is ideal for tropical and subtropical food forests.
🌳 HOW TO PLANT
Use the GreenDreams “High & Tight” planting method to ensure success:
- Dig a hole just slightly wider than the container.
- Keep the crown slightly above ground level.
- Backfill with native soil + compost or biochar mix.
- Water deeply and mulch around (but not touching) the base.
🎥 Learn more: How to Plant a Fruit Tree – High & Tight Method
💧 WATER & MAINTENANCE
- Establishment: Water every 2–3 days for first 3 weeks.
- After Established: Deep soak weekly; adjust seasonally.
- Fertilizer: Organic compost or seaweed emulsion in early spring.
- Pruning: Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and nitrogen release.
- Mulching: Apply 2–3” hardwood mulch, keeping it off the trunk.
❄️ WINTER IN FLORIDA
Powder Puff may partially defoliate after frost but will rebound quickly in spring. Protect young plants with frost cloths and deep mulch.
⚠️ CAUTIONS
- Young plants are tender to frost and should be protected below 28°F.
- Avoid overwatering in heavy soils — root rot risk increases.
- Aphids or mites can appear on new growth; treat organically with neem oil.
🌿 IS THIS PLANT RIGHT FOR YOU?
✅ Ideal For:
- Permaculture and regenerative gardeners
- Food forest designers needing nitrogen fixers
- Pollinator-friendly landscapes
- Florida, Gulf Coast, and subtropical growers
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Growers below Zone 9 without winter protection
- Those seeking edible fruit production (ornamental & ecological focus)
🔍 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
| ⚠️ Issue | 🧠 Cause | 🌿 Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Yellowing leaves | 💦 Too much water / poor drainage | 🌾 Improve drainage & reduce watering frequency |
| 🕷️ Spider mites | 🌡️ Dry, hot air | ❄️ Use neem oil; mist foliage during dry periods |
| ❄️ Cold damage | 🌬️ Frost exposure | 🪵 Mulch roots & cover canopy overnight |
| 🍃 Sparse growth | 🧪 Poor soil fertility | 🌿 Add compost; prune lightly to stimulate new shoots |
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How does Powder Puff improve soil?
A: Through nitrogen-fixing root nodules that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for other plants.
Q: Can I use this in my food forest even if I don’t want flowers?
A: Absolutely. You can prune before bloom to focus energy on biomass and soil building.
Q: How long before it starts fixing nitrogen?
A: Root nodules typically form within the first few months after transplanting. Visible soil benefits appear by the first growing season.
Q: Can I keep it small?
A: Yes! Regular pruning keeps it compact, encourages dense foliage, and increases its chop-and-drop usefulness.
🚚 SHIPPING DETAILS
🪴 Available Size: 4” pot (young starter)
These compact starters are ideal for shipping within Florida, the Southeast, and Texas. Plants ship healthy and rooted, ready to grow!
⚠️ Shipping Notice:
We ship every Monday via UPS Ground from Florida. Buyer discretion is advised during peak heat or cold seasons. Plants shipped to northern/western states may require extra recovery time due to transit conditions.
📍 LOCAL PICKUP
🚜 GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
🌾 18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
🕘 Tues–Fri 9AM–5PM | 🌞 Sat 8AM–3PM
🌿 Come see our mature Powder Puff specimens and other nitrogen-fixing plants for your food forest!
🌳 BEYOND THE PLANT: GREENDREAMS SERVICES
At GreenDreams, we don’t just sell plants — we help you build regenerative ecosystems.
- 🌱 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🌴 Installation & project management
- ♻️ Compost, mulch & biochar deliveries
- 🌾 Wholesale partnerships for large-scale planting
Let our team help you design your own self-sustaining edible paradise — starting with the Powder Puff Tree! 🌸
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
-
For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
-
For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
-
We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
-
Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
-
Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
-
Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
-
Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
-
Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
