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Pride of Barbados

— · Texas-Grown

Pride of Barbados

Price range: $10.00 through $20.00

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.

Care Instructions
Watering
Low water needs once established Extremely drought-tolerant Occasional deep watering during severe drought is beneficial
Fertilizing
Minimal fertilizer needed in typical Austin soils Light application of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring may encourage growth after winter
Pruning & Maintenance
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
Common Issues
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
Seasonal Notes
Spring
New growth emerges from base after winter; transplant window opens May be slow to leaf out – be patient
Summer
Peak bloom period; spectacular color through the hottest months
Fall
Continues flowering until first hard frost
Winter
Freezes to ground but regrows from roots each spring
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Spring through early summer after last frost Ideal soil temperatures: 65-80 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun Minimum 6-8 hours daily; declines in shade
Spacing
5-8 feet apart Grows into a large shrub 6-10 feet tall and wide
Soil
Well-draining, lean to moderately fertile soil Tolerates rocky, caliche, and sandy soils Does not tolerate waterlogged conditions
Watering After Planting
Water deeply at transplanting Water weekly for first 4-6 weeks until established
Lantana Salvia Black-Eyed Susan Yarrow Gaillardia Agave Rosemary
Pride of Barbados is TOXIC to: Dogs Cats Horses Humans (especially seeds) 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.

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