Mexican bird of Paradise

Mexican bird of paradise or red bird of paradise is an evergreen flowering plant and belongs shrub native to tropical, tropical climates. It has a good tolerance and best fit for desert landscapes.

Mexican bird of paradise blooms orange, bright red, and yellow flowers. This evergreen plant flowers are bowl-shaped and attract hummingbirds and butterflies like red hot poker plant. The bloomed flowers seem 2 inches wide and the plant has long leaves.

Mexican bird of paradise characteristically is tough, easy to grow, and care. It also has multiple popular names i.e., red bird of paradise, Mexican bird of paradise, the pride of Barbados, and peacock flower.

It quickly grows in 9 or higher climate zones. Most commonly, it exists in southwestern states, Arizona and Mexico. Mexican bird of paradise is most beneficial for the boundary lawn like a chain fence.

Pruning and growing care aren’t too strict. It needs all the essential growing requirements. This guide will merely explore almost everything about the Mexican bird of paradise Caesalpinia Mexicana.

Types and origin

The scientific name of the Mexican bird of paradise plant is “Caesalpinia pulcherrima.” But it is also known as Caesalpinia Mexicana, var. Pubescens. Some other most popular names are:

• Mexican Bird of Paradise
• Poincinella Mexicana
• Poinciana Mexicana
• Mexican Poinciana
• Mexican Caesalpinia
• Mexican holdback

Characteristics

Red bird of paradise and Mexican bird of paradise trees known as the same with other variations of names. The red bird of paradise (C. Pulcherrima) is often mixed with C.

Mexicana whether both species are evergreen and considered small shrubs. Redbird of paradise has a yellow flower and bright red stamens and the Mexican paradise bird blooms red flowers. All species bloom in around the year in tropical season.

 

COMMON NAME	Red bird of paradise, the pride of barbados, peacock flower, Mexican bird of paradise
Botanical name	Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Plant type	Perennial flowering shrub
Bloom time	March through October
Sun exposure	Full Sun
soil type	Any soil. Preferably Well Drained
mature size	10 to 20 feet tall; 6- to 12-foot spread
Flower color	Red and Yellow
hardness zone	9 to 11 USDA
native area	Tropical and subtropical Americas
soil ph	5.5 to 6.5
Spread	2-3 feet wide. 15 to 20 feet approx. Tall.

How to grow and care Mexican Bird of Paradise Plant

Pruning and cultivation of Mexican bird of paradise plant are not much complicated. It only needs suitable conditions and basic requirements. You can grow in a delicately prepared landscape or can be grown in a container. It also works well in colder regions.

It spread overall 4.5m in size, so before cultivation, you must choose a good piece of land. This plant has drought tolerance and needs well-drained soil. It grooms well in plenty of sunlight.

Until this establishes well, it requires regular weekly watering and fertilization. Once established, it needs more attention and care in the near blooming period. You can easily prune it in pots during winter and get enough Mexican bird of paradise seeds.

Season

Mexican bird of paradise is usually planted in the spring season. It proliferates and best plant for beginner gardeners. It doesn’t require too much care and requirements, as we discussed earlier. It also does not require a Mexican bird of paradise cuttings and trimmings. It can only survive with well-drained soil, good sunny location, and fertilization.

Light

Mexican bird of paradise yellow and red flowers needs full Sun while blooming period. They may tolerate partially shaded areas, but they will less prolific. Adequate sun exposure gives you right-line top blooming flowers.

Soil

Mexican bird of paradise bush grows in well-drained soil loamy.  Well-drained soil gives them proper moister and helps in the establishment. They need weekly watering in early days.

Water

Until the Mexican bird of paradise is not established, its shrubs need moister more often. It requires a consistent watering schedule. During a period of peak growth, it may require watering once or twice a week.

Temperature and Humidity

Red bird of paradise plant tolerate high summer temperatures and remain well in dry or humid climates.

When temperatures decrease below 32F, the plant loses its leaves, and upon increasing temperature warmth in spring, the Mexican red bird of paradise again returns to leaves.

Fertilizer

It does not require proper fertilization. Mexican bird of paradise needs fertilizer only in the early stage of growth and may require during the blooming period. But it’s not necessary.

Growing in Containers

Mexican bird of paradise from cuttings can be grown in containers. Usually, pot pruning is required in an extensive colder period.  It is suitable for 9 or a higher range of regions.

Propagation: Red Bird of Paradise and Mexican bird of Paradise

These small shrubs or tiny trees are commonly self-sow. If any other seedling exists near its growing habitat or landscape, you must see neat the area.

You need some seeds to collect the seeds in the fall or winter season for germination for self-sow. Keep them dry until the spring season. Now seedling in pots and keep pot soil moist enough.

Compared to Mexican Bird of Paradise

Upon comparing the Mexican bird of paradise and red bird of paradise, both are little differences in characteristics. The leaves of Mexican bird of paradise are seemed similar but more massive.

It has a shorter blooming period then a red bird of paradise. Red bird of paradise has a yellow flower and bright red stamens and Mexican paradise bird blooms red flowers. Caesalpinia Mexicana blooms the only springtime.

Is Mexican bird of paradise poisonous?

The toxicity of Mexican bird of paradise is mildly poisonous. It is not recommended for ingestion. Upon oral ingestion, it causes throat irritation and gastrointestinal abnormalities.

If any incident happened, sharply contact with the poisonous control center or nearby doctor. The first aid treatment is the frequent intake of a lot of water.

Final thought

The Mexican bird of paradise is the most suitable plant for beginner gardeners. It requires fewer efforts, and you can proliferate. It’s a fast grower plant and can be trimmed in the size of shrub needed.

How easy it grows as well as it looks more beautiful and does a great addition in landscapes, large patios, parking lots or decks. It is also compatible with container pruning.