Peacock Flower / Pride of Barbados / Dwarf Poinciana / Red Bird of Paradise

Source Data

Five-leafed maiden grape, or Parthenocissus five-leafed (lat. Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

A tree-like deciduous liana, a species of the genus Parthenocissus of the Vine family (Vitaceae), the type species of this genus. A fast-growing vine, in nature reaching a length of 20-30 m. Young shoots are reddish, then dark green. It grows by climbing along smooth surfaces with the help of tendrils with five to eight branches ending in a sticky pad (sucker) measuring 5 mm. The presence of these suckers is a feature that distinguishes this species from the closely related maiden vine (Parthenocissus vitacea).

The leaves are palmately compound with five, less often three (usually in young shoots) leaflets. The petiolate leaves are ovate, attached to one central petiole. The tip of the leaf is pointed, the edges are serrated. The leaves are green and dull on top; below - bluish-green, pubescent. In autumn they acquire a bright red, crimson color in the sunny side and light yellow in the shade.

Small greenish flowers are collected in apical inflorescences - highly branched panicles with a clear central axis, on which there are from 80 to 150 flowers. Blooms in late spring.

The dark blue, almost black fruits, 5-7 mm in diameter, ripen in late summer or early autumn. The berries contain oxalic acid and are inedible for humans, but are food for birds in winter.

Instructions

1. Growing Peacock Flower / Pride of Barbados / Dwarf Poinciana / Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) from seed is a rewarding process. Follow these guidelines for best results.
2. Seed Preparation: Scarify the seed coat by nicking with a knife or rubbing with sandpaper, then soak in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing.
3. Sowing: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in well-draining seed compost. Water gently and keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright location at 18–22°C.
4. Germination: Seeds germinate quickly in 5–14 days once scarified and sown. Seedlings grow rapidly. Provide full sun after germination.
5. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 2–3 pairs of true leaves. Harden off gradually over 7–10 days before planting in final position. Space according to the mature size of the species.
6. Aftercare: Water regularly during the first growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain shape.
7. Hardiness: Hardiness varies by species and growing conditions. Young plants may need protection from extreme temperatures. Acclimatize gradually to outdoor conditions.

Gallery

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review!

Questions & Answers

No questions yet. Ask the first!