Caesalpinia Species, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Mexican Holdback

Definitely the most aggressive and hardy of the Caesalpinias in my climate (southern California)... and prolific seed 'popper'... all sum...Read Moremer long you can hear popping seed hulls and the seeds landing some 15'-20' away. Since our summers are so dry, it is not a big invasive species and rarely do these seeds germinate (haven't had a single one I know of).

This was relatively to grow from seed. It finally bloomed in this, its third year, although the blooming came late (October/November). ...Read MoreFrost (as low as 18F last year) kills the above-ground growth but it has come back from the roots each year.

Planted in full sun in hill country west of Austin, TX. It has survived drought and water rationing, and stilled bloomed beautifully. I...Read Moret survived the coldest winter in years at 14 degrees last winter, with no damage! We give it no winter protection, not even mulch. It is only about 5 feet tall, produces seed pods, but we have not seen any new trees come up.

This plant really loves the heat and sun. I have one planted as a small tree in the full sun in my backyard in Mesa Arizona and it bloom...Read Mores all year round. I had planted a few in an area with only partial sun and they just didn't do as well, blooming less and growth was leggy. Mexican Bird of Paradise provides a nice tropical look in the desert.

I have really enjoyed these small trees in Big Spring, TX. The only problem is they multiply easily and I have to just pull them up or a...Read Mores I do a lot, give them away! Blooms are beautiful. I have about 5 .. and who knows how many babies!

Great vertical accent for desert landscape. Blooms spring through fall. Mostly evergreen in Las Vegas winters. Excellent for small yar...Read Moreds or tight spaces where vertical interest is desired.

Mexican Bird of Paradise, Mexican Poinciana Caesalpinia mexicana is Naturalized in Texas and other States.

Caesalpinia mexicana, while less showy than C. pulcherima as individual blossoms, grows taller and produces numerous large ...Read Moreracemes of bright yellow flowers in the dead of summer in Central Texas. It suffers a bit in winter -- especially from ice storms. It may lose a limb or most wood above ground in a hard freeze but usually comes back from the base. Attracts bees galore. Makes light, dappled shade -- a terrific patio specimen.