Caesalpinia pulcherrima 'Mexican Flame' (Mexican Peacock flower)

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Mexican Peacock flower) 'Mexican Flame' red and orange flower cluster close up

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Mexican Peacock flower) 'Mexican Flame' with orange and red flower cluster and green foliage.

Botanical name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima

Common name: Mexican Peacock flower

Cultivar: Mexican Flame

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae

Origin: Mexico

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant form: Large bush or small tree

Mature height: 10-20 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor

Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.

Watering: Moderate

Flower color: Red, crimson, vinous; yellow, orange

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Irritating or toxic: Irritating

Thorns: Thorny or spiny

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

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.