Caesalpinia pulcherrima 'Mexican Flame' (Mexican Peacock flower)

Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Mexican Peacock flower

Botanical name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima

Common name: Mexican Peacock flower

Cultivar: Mexican Flame

Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae

Origin: Mexico

This variety of caesalpinia has very bright flowers turning from yellow to red - with yellow, orange and red flowers in the same bunch. The stem is covered with soft thorns that feel like feather. Leaves have blueish hue. Medium size shrub or small tree, perfect for small yards or patio. It is moderately tolerant of salty conditions. Peacock flower benefits from pruning, and can be shaped to tree form or shrubby bush form. The striking orange red flowers are an attention grabber! Use peacock flower as a specimen or in a mixed shrub border. It has an open, spreading habit and the branches sometimes get too long for their own good and break off. Still, a line of peacock flowers makes a showy fine-textured screen or informal hedge. You can cut peacock flowers to the ground in late winter or early spring to get a bushier, more compact shrub.