We have grown this South American native for 16 years, during which time it survived 0 degrees F with only a little tip burn. Even more impressive is that it has survived Zone 6 temperatures when kept dry in winter at the Denver Botanic Garden. Caesalpinia gilliesii has woody stems adorned toward the top with lacy, grey-green, mimosa-like leaves. Topping each stem, starting in June (NC), are stunningly indescribable flower heads composed of bright yellow petals with contrasting red stamens that resemble long red threads emerging from the flower. Caesalpinia gilliesii is sure to draw both visitor stares and rave reviews.
I live in central Denver which (like the nearby Denver Botanic Gardens) is usually considered zone 5b. Like the specimens at DBG my bush in in full sun facing south. I get a lot ... view moreof die back in winter and I prune off the dead branches in spring. It is lightly fertilized and watered regularly. It is a beautiful plant with its fern-like leaves but in five years it it has not given me a single blossom. Keeping it alive in this climate is an achievement but I sure would like to have some of those spectacular flowers to show off! view less
I live in zone 7a and have grown this plant in the ground for over 5 years. Each year it gets even prettier. A tropical looking plant that can stand the cold. It has been down t... view moreo 7 degrees at my house. Plant goes dormant but comes back with a great flush of colors. view less
I live in the southern portion of the North Carolina coast, zone 8b, and love this plant. I'm a sucker for unusual, flashy plants and this on fits the bill!
It took a few yea... view morers to take off (as most perennials do), but when it did, it was amazing. I don't do anything to it, no extra water and the only amendments it gets is in the spring, when I add compost.. It has an open growth habit, with the flowers on the new growth, blooming early Summer, thru Fall.
This past summer, (2017), it grew up to 10', which meant the blooms were way up in the air. I'm planning on cutting it back, so that the blooms are closer and I can enjoy them more.
Needless to say, with the tubular shape of the blooms, the hummingbirds LOVE it.
Every year, I get about 6-10 volunteers, not really a problem since they're easy to pull up.
Barb view less
Q: Just purchased at the fall open house in September. I live in Durham NC Zone 7b, I assume I should not plant in the ground this late in the year. To over winter inside the house, what type of light is best and how much water would it need to survive until planted in the spring...view moreafter last frost date 2022. Would it be okay to leave in the pot I purchased it in or should I move up a pot for the winter.view less
A: It would be best to pot the Caesalpinia into a 5 or 6" pot. You could leave the pot outside and let the plant naturally go dormant, light frost will not hurt the plant. You could bring it inside or a cool garage if we have an extended period below freezing.
As this plant will become a 5' tall woody shrub, we recommend that the pot-size be at least 12-16" wide and deep. The retail-sized plant that we will send you will only be 1-2' tall and can be started in a 8-10" pot.
