Caesalpinia pink - Pride of Barbados

Pink Pride of Barbados is spectacular. It blooms gobs of vivid pink blossoms with long red stamens, very showy against ferny foliage. It looks entirely exotic, but this desert tree is drought-tolerant and undemanding.

Native to the West Indies, Caesalpinias are much used to brighten Southwest landscaping. They're happy in scorching sun or part shade, will tolerate frost or the worst drought and keep on blooming. Landscapers love them. The red and yellow versions are found almost everywhere in the Southwest.

This pink version is not so common. A small bushy tree, it grows to about 6' tall, perfect for a container, patio, or sunny window. It grows quickly and blooms early. The striking pink flowers are amazing.

Vigorous in warm zones 8 -11, Pride of Barbados loves heat, but can handle a short freeze and will sprout back from the roots. And it's absolutely drought tolerant.

Nick/scratch the hard seed coat. You can use a nail file, or rub gently on the cement, just enough to allow water inside.

Soak in warm water for 24 hours, changing the water several times if possible.

Once the seeds look like they are swollen, they are ready for planting.

Don't bury seeds too deeply, surface sow and then gently push into the soil, covering with a light sprinkling of soil.

Place plastic wrap over your pot to keep in heat and moisture.

Place in a warm spot, but out of direct sunlight until it is established. Remove plastic wrap once you have seedlings.

We recommend starting your seeds in peat pots so you can easily transfer to their permanent location without disturbing the roots. Very drought tolerant once established, prune in spring.

5 seeds.

This Caesalpinia needs full sun if you want to see a lot of flowers, so keep this in mind when choosing it's permanent location.  

 Nick/scratch the hard seed coat. You can use a nail file, or rub gently on the cement, just enough to allow water inside.   Soak in warm water for 48 hours, changing the water several times if possible.  Once the seeds look like they are swollen, they are ready for planting.  Don't bury seeds too deeply, surface sow and then gently push into the soil, covering with a light sprinkling of soil.  Place plastic wrap over your pot to keep in heat and moisture.  Place in a warm spot, but out of direct sunlight until it is established. Remove plastic wrap once you have seedlings.

 We recommend starting your seeds in peat pots so you can easily transfer to their permanent location without disturbing the roots.  Very drought tolerant once established, prune in spring.