Pink Fairy Duster
Calliandra eriophylla
A compact southwestern native with charming pink powderpuff flowers in spring that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a southwestern native that handles low- and mid-desert frost and intense heat, defoliating in cold but resprouting each spring.
AMWUA Notes
A moderate- to low-water Arizona native; needs little irrigation and provides early spring nectar for hummingbirds.
Care Guide
A tough native that wants only occasional deep water, roughly every 2 weeks in summer; established plants tolerate significant drought.
Lightly thin or head back in late winter to renew; keep pruning minimal to preserve its soft, low mounding form and never shear it into a ball.
Needs no fertilizer in native desert soil.
Trouble-free with no notable pests.
Semi-deciduous, dropping leaves in cold or drought; its pink powderpuffs open with spring warmth and it may flush again after summer rains.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Native rocky, sandy, or decomposed-granite soils; thrives in lean caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
From scarified seed; a nitrogen-fixing legume.
4 ft
Non-aggressive roots; safe near paving and pools.
Placement Tips
- •Compact at 3 ft tall by 4 ft wide; space about 4 ft apart in a native or pollinator border.
- •Blends naturally among boulders, cacti, and wildflowers in an authentic Sonoran design.
- •Low litter and modest size make it a good choice near paths and pool edges.
- •Plant in full sun for the fullest form and heaviest spring bloom.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Pink Fairy Duster. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Pink Fairy Duster — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Pink Fairy Duster need in Phoenix?
Pink Fairy Duster is a moderate-water shrub once established. A tough native that wants only occasional deep water, roughly every 2 weeks in summer; established plants tolerate significant drought. A moderate- to low-water Arizona native; needs little irrigation and provides early spring nectar for hummingbirds.
How big does Pink Fairy Duster get?
Expect roughly 3 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 4 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive roots; safe near paving and pools.
Can you plant Pink Fairy Duster near a pool?
Yes. Pink Fairy Duster is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Pink Fairy Duster handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Pink Fairy Duster is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a southwestern native that handles low- and mid-desert frost and intense heat, defoliating in cold but resprouting each spring. Semi-deciduous, dropping leaves in cold or drought; its pink powderpuffs open with spring warmth and it may flush again after summer rains.
Does Pink Fairy Duster have thorns?
No. Pink Fairy Duster is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Pink Fairy Duster safe around pets?
Pink Fairy Duster is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Pink Fairy Duster bloom in Arizona?
Pink Fairy Duster blooms in spring, with pink flowers. The bloom draws butterflies, hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Pink Fairy Duster need?
Pink Fairy Duster is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Lightly thin or head back in late winter to renew; keep pruning minimal to preserve its soft, low mounding form and never shear it into a ball.
What kind of soil does Pink Fairy Duster need?
Native rocky, sandy, or decomposed-granite soils; thrives in lean caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5. It needs no supplemental feeding. Needs no fertilizer in native desert soil.
Is Pink Fairy Duster native to Arizona?
Yes. Pink Fairy Duster is native to Arizona and to the Southwestern US, Central Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.