Mortellaro's Nursery
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Pride of Barbados
Dwarf Poinciana
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Pride of Barbados, also known as Dwarf Poinciana, is a striking tropical shrub or small tree admired for its vibrant orange and red flowers, which bloom in clusters from summer to fall. This plant thrives in the intense heat of Texas summers and is perfect for adding bold color to xeriscape gardens, borders, or as a specimen plant. Its finely divided, fern-like foliage adds a delicate texture to landscapes, contrasting beautifully with its fiery blooms. While not a Texas native, it is well-suited to the southern and central regions of the state.
Pride of Barbados prefers full sun and thrives in well-drained soils, tolerating both alkaline and slightly acidic conditions. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care. While the plant is non-toxic to humans, some sources indicate that its seeds and pods may be toxic to pets if ingested, so it is best to exercise caution when planting in areas where pets roam freely. This plant is deer-resistant and beloved by pollinators, especially hummingbirds and butterflies.
Pride of Barbados typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall and wide, but its blooming habits are dependent on warm weather. It does not bloom heavily in early spring, as it requires consistent heat for vigorous growth and flower production. In Texas, expect its most vibrant display of flowers during the hottest months of summer and into early fall. When planting multiple specimens, space them 6 to 8 feet apart to allow for their mature size.
One of the most notable comparisons is with Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gillesii), which shares a similar fine-textured, fern-like foliage. While both plants belong to the same genus and have similar growth habits, their flowers are distinct. Pride of Barbados produces showy red and orange blooms with long, dramatic stamens, while Yellow Bird of Paradise features creamy yellow flowers accented with bright red stamens. Additionally, Pride of Barbados is more cold-sensitive, often dying back to the ground in North Texas after a hard frost but regrowing in the spring. Yellow Bird of Paradise, on the other hand, exhibits greater cold tolerance and can survive light freezes without as much dieback.
In winter, Pride of Barbados will die back to the ground in most regions of Texas where frosts occur but will resprout vigorously from the roots once warm weather returns. To protect the roots in colder climates, apply a thick layer of mulch before the first frost. In frost-free zones, it can remain evergreen and bloom year-round.
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Bold Tropical Blooms |
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Drought Tolerant |
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Hummingbird Favorite |
Flower Color:Red-Orange |
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Height:8-10 Feet |
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Spread:6-8 Feet |
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Spacing:6-8 feet |
Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips for Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Prune in late winter.
Interesting Notes
Seeds are poisonous.
USDA Hardiness Zone 8b
Available Sizes:
| Item | Description | |
| PRI-BAR-15 | #015 PRIDE OF BARBADOS |
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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