Birds of paradise are a group of shrubs that really "strut their stuff" in the Summer landscapes of Tucson. They include some of the showiest and most unique flowering shrubs grown in the desert Southwest; and for that matter, in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world.

Probably the best known of the birds of paradise is the red bird (Caesalpinia pulcherrima). It is the brilliant orange flowering shrub that graces the medians and roadways in and around Tucson. Flower clusters are globular and more than 6 inches across, fiery orange in color with a tinge of gold on the edges. With their long orange stamen, these flowers are reminiscent of tropical birds, thus the name. Plants also are graced by bright green, feathery compound leaves that provide just the right contrasting background for the showy flowers.

The red bird of paradise is actually a tropical shrub native to the West Indies. In other regions of the world it is known as the "Pride of Barbados". Despite it's origins in the Caribbean, red bird thrives in desert conditions and has even naturalized in parts of the Sonoran desert. As you would expect, they require ample water during the warm season. However, Monsoon rains provide much of this needed water. Choose growing location for red birds that are well drained. Low, poorly drained locations cause them to grow slowly and develop iron deficiencies.

Outside the tropics, red bird of paradise is deciduous, loosing it's leaves when temperatures drop to freezing. Stems also are killed, but plants grow back rapidly from the base in the spring. The common maintenance practice is to cut plants back to 6 inches above the ground after the first cold snap. Even so, plants regrow rapidly when warm weather returns and they begin flowering by early Summer. In warm micro-climates where stems do not freeze back to the ground, some trimming back each Spring will keep plants more compact and fuller.

Mulching plants is advised. Best is an organic mulch of wood chips or ground cedar or Eucalyptus. A layer of mulch placed on the surface of the soil over roots and around the plant base will help insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. Mulches also conserve water and reduce the need for frequent irrigation. Fertilization is normally not recommended, however, a small amount of nitrogen applied as temperatures warm in the Spring will speed up growth.

Although not as showy as the red bird, the yellow bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliessi) is the next most popular of the group. Leaves and flowers are similar, but yellow or desert birds as they are sometimes called, have yellow-petaled flowers with orange stamen. They are extremely drought tolerant and can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees F. , but are also deciduous. Although they will survive on little or no supplemental irrigation, for landscape purposes they should receive periodic irrigation. Watering will increase flowering and provide a fuller, leafier appearance.

A Caesalpinia that, in my opinion, is vastly underutilized is C. mexicana, the Mexican poinciana. Unlike pulcherrima and gilliesii, this one is evergreen with very attractive dark green, compound leaves. Bright yellow, fragrant flower clusters bloom more or less continually from Spring to Fall. Mexican poinciana develops into a small tree set upon a single trunk. It's ultimate height is about 10 feet over time, making it ideal for planting near entryways and patios. It also makes an attractive container plant. Mexicana is cold hardy to 20 degrees F., so should be suited to all but the coldest locations around Tucson.

All the Caesalpinias make great choices for providing Summer color in hot, sunny locations. The problem is deciding which to choose? The solution: find a place in your landscape for all three!

Written by John Begeman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona, 520-626-5161.
Material originally appeared in Arizona Daily Star gardening column, on August 08, 1999
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