Perennial · North Texas care guide
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Nursery Pro tip: Fireworks in July. Comes back from the roots after winter — be patient in spring.
The most tropical-looking plant that will survive a North Texas winter — flat-topped clusters of orange and gold flowers with long red stamens, all summer, on ferny foliage. 4–8 ft in a season, root-hardy here in most winters, and butterflies swarm it.
Full sun, heat and sharp drainage. The hottest, driest bed you have. Space 4 ft apart. A south-facing wall improves its winter survival.
Spring only, once nights are warm. Plant high with expanded shale in the backfill, Root Stimulator, and a deep mulch over the crown going into winter.
Weekly the first summer to establish, then rarely. Drought is not its problem; wet soil is.
None.
Cut the frozen top growth to 6–12 in in late February, not before — the old stems protect the crown. Expect it to sit dormant until late May; that's normal, not death.
Hard freezes can kill it outright in an exposed spot. Wet winter soil is the usual cause of loss. Seed pods are toxic if eaten.
Tropical-look beds with esperanza, lantana, canna and agave; spectacular against a limestone wall.
Written for Rockwall's black clay, heat and winters by the Landscape Source team. Every yard is different — bring a photo by, or ask LS-Ai, and we'll tailor it to your spot.