Calliandra tweedii Common name: Red tassel flower	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates water requirement          High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description This evergreen plant is native to Brazil and Uruguay. It is a long-lived, many-stemmed dense shrub, belonging to the mimosa family and grows to about 1.8m (6ft) high. The branches grow from ground level, and the leaves consist of tiny crowded leaflets that fold together at night or by touch. The fine, feathery and large flowers (8cm) are a deep scarlet colour and borne among the green foliage from spring to autumn. Makes for a good hedge plant or landscape specimen.
Growing Calliandras are tough adaptable shrubs, which will tolerate hard dry soils and make good hedge plants. Fertilize with all purpose fertilizer, sparingly. Propagation is from seed or cuttings taken in winter. Can be cut back hard to encourage new growth and also withstands regular timming to form a dense hedge. Almost pest free, but can be attacked by black aphids. Use an insecticide to eradicate these. Best for regions that are warm but dry.