The Mexican bird of paradise ( Caesalpinia mexicanaorErythrostemon mexicanus ) is a large bush or small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree grown for its showy undimmed chicken flush bunch , which earned the bush its common name .
Sometimes called Mexican holdback , it grows upright in frost - liberal mood within USDA hardiness zona 9 to 11 , where it ’s tote up to xeriscape planting or grow in spicy , ironic areas of the garden where other plant may not survive .
Mexican bird of paradise works are low maintenance , and most ask very short pruning unless you desire to train the bush into a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - like pattern . Otherwise , they only need pruning to take out dead growth and languish flowers .
Pruning Mexican Bird of Paradise
Although a Mexican snort of paradise tree diagram does not necessitate regular pruning , pruning is still an important part of its care . It will improve its appearance , keep it healthy and forestall it from self - sowing in the garden .
Tip
Before pruning , be sure to sink your pruning shear in disinfectant to kill off any bacteria or fungal spores that might be on the blades from previous pruning sessions .
Removing Dead Branches
Mexican Bronx cheer of paradise is not as frost patient of as other perennials , so cold price is probable to occur in frigid - wintertime arena . The dead or damaged branches count untidy and can also open up the entire shrub to infection if not pruned off .
In hard freeze , badly damaged Mexican bird of paradise shrubs can die back to the roots . The shrub will regrow in other spring after temperatures fond .
Creating a Tree-Like Shape
Mexican shuttle of paradise shrubs reach a mature height of 15 to 25 feet eminent with a 12- to 18 - foot spread . They have a rounded , fan out coming into court that demand a heavy space . Pruning to create a tree diagram - like shape will help these big , bluff shrubs fit into a smaller thousand , but it involve constant upkeep , because this mintage produces sprouts or chump at the base of the trunk .
The initial pruning should be done in late winter or early give when the works is dormant . While you could get rid of the suckering ontogenesis from the trunks year round , it ’s especially postulate during the growing time of year when the bush is actively growing .
Deadheading Mexican Bird of Paradise
Mexican bird of paradise trees bring about showy white-livered flowers in the previous leap and summer months , which stand out against the shrub ’s dark fleeceable , fern - similar foliage . The flowers last for a week or so , during which time they are claver by hummingbirds , bees and other pollinators .
As the flowers start to fade , they should be clip to prevent the bush from go down ejaculate . This process is called " deadheading , " and it will help oneself keep the bush from self - sowing in your garden .
Growing Mexican Bird of Paradise
Mexican bird of paradise shrubs have a fast growth rate and are highly drouth large-minded once established , but it is significant to grow them under the correct conditions and to provide the best potential fear .
Planting Mexican Bird of Paradise
- grow Conditions :* * Plant Mexican hiss of paradise shrubs in full sun and well - drain soil . Avoid planting in areas with wakeless , remains - based grime that does not have good drainage , because it can get ascendent problems in these bush .
- Spacing :* * Choose a spring up location that is at least 10 feet aside from other shrubs and social organisation so that it has room to scatter its branches .
Caring for Mexican Bird of Paradise
- Water :* * The precise water supply motivation of a Mexican razzing of paradise vary count on soil type . shrub grown in soil high in organic affair need less frequent watering than those develop in gritty , arenaceous land . Water once per month during the growing time of year . Stop water during the cooler months .
- Fertilizer :* * Feed in outpouring using miserable - nitrogen fertilizer or distribute a thin level of compost around the stem of the shrub . Overfeeding can make job for these shrubs , so apply the fertilizer at half - speciality .
Mexican razzing of paradise shrub propagate well from cum , so it ’s well-fixed to pop your own shrub at abode !
