Bird-Of-Paradise Shrub
Erythrostemon gilliesii
- Native to:
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay
H. Zell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Erythrostemon
- Species:
- Erythrostemon gilliesii
- USDA Symbol:
- CAGI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree , Vine
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, red
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Fundella argentina
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from base after fire or frost damage; typical of leguminous shrubs in semi-arid environments.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, drought-tolerant
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Scarification by nicking or soaking in hot water improves germination. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI