Yellow Bird of Paradise
caesalpinia gilliesii
Also known as: ["Yellow Poinciana","Bird of Paradise Bush"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to South America, known for its vibrant yellow flowers with red stamens, resembling a bird in flight.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Caesalpinia |
| Botanical Name: | Caesalpinia gilliesii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny, open area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in extreme heat; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential for flowering; rotate container plants for even growth; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F / 18–29°C); tolerates heat well; prefers mild winters but can survive brief frosts.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care by season.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers; apply before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun until roots form.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; cut back to a healthy bud or branch junction; avoid shearing into a formal shape.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth; best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape lightly; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat; reduced flowering in suboptimal temperatures.
Cold Stress
Stems may become brittle; growth slows or halts; prolonged cold can lead to dieback or death.
Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones (e.g., mulch, move containers indoors); avoid planting in frost-prone areas; choose hardy cultivars if needed.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch; flowers may drop prematurely; growth may slow under intense heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxins in Caesalpinia gilliesii, particularly cytisine, which can induce severe neurological and gastrointestinal distress. The toxin disrupts normal muscle function and can lead to life-threatening respiratory complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and pods of Caesalpinia gilliesii are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cytisine, which can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal effects. The toxin interferes with acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle tremors and respiratory issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCaesalpinia gilliesii contains toxic alkaloids, primarily cytisine, which act as a neurotoxin affecting the central nervous system. Ingestion can lead to significant physiological disturbances, including respiratory depression and muscle weakness.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Caesalpinia gilliesii toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant require a lot of water?
A: No, it is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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