Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
Price range: $10.00 through $28.00
Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), also known as Red Bird of Paradise, is a spectacular tropical shrub producing showy clusters of orange-red flowers with long, red stamens from summer through fall. Beloved for its bold color and unmatched heat and drought tolerance, it is a signature plant of Austin and Central Texas landscapes, thriving where few ornamentals survive.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Pride of Barbados transplants are grown for strong establishment and outstanding heat and drought performance suited to Austin’s climate.
Low water needs once established
Extremely drought-tolerant
Occasional deep watering during severe drought is beneficial
Minimal fertilizer needed in typical Austin soils
Light application of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring may encourage growth after winter
Cut back hard to 12-18 inches in late winter after danger of hard freeze passes
Freezes to the ground in hard winters but regrows vigorously from roots
Remove spent flower clusters for tidy appearance
Few serious pest or disease issues
Cold damage in hard freezes (normal; plant recovers)
Root rot in waterlogged soils
One of the most dependable summer-blooming plants for Austin; thrives in heat and drought
Do not prune until late February or early March; cold injury assessment needed
Leaves and seeds are toxic – keep children and pets away
Excellent for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies throughout summer
New growth emerges from base after winter; transplant window opens
May be slow to leaf out – be patient
Peak bloom period; spectacular color through the hottest months
Continues flowering until first hard frost
Freezes to ground but regrows from roots each spring
Spring through early summer after last frost
Ideal soil temperatures: 65-80 F
Full sun
Minimum 6-8 hours daily; declines in shade
5-8 feet apart
Grows into a large shrub 6-10 feet tall and wide
Well-draining, lean to moderately fertile soil
Tolerates rocky, caliche, and sandy soils
Does not tolerate waterlogged conditions
Water deeply at transplanting
Water weekly for first 4-6 weeks until established
Pride of Barbados is TOXIC to:
All parts of the plant, particularly seeds and pods, are toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Keep children and pets away from the plant.
Contact a veterinarian or poison control immediately if ingestion is suspected.
