As everything shrivels a little in the heat of desert's summer, this fancy plant is cheerful, resilient and so very stubborn.
I really like these flowers.
And to get a bit nerdy on y'all.... the Red Bird of Paradise is scientifically dubbed Caesalpinia pulcherrima and part of the pea family. It also goes by Pride of Barbados, Poinciana, Peacock Flower, Dwarf Poinciana, and Flamboyan-De-Jardin (translation: Flamboyant Garden).
For a plant that is often called the "vine cactus" and used as "fencing" because its spiny arms keep intruders out, the Ocotillo's springtime blooms are amazing bursts of color. It actually goes by other names like Candlewood, Slimwood, Coach Whip or Jacob's Staff. But personally, I prefer "Flaming Sword." Little fiery blossoms of surprise and life.
It's like people, right? Sometimes you just don't give them enough credit and suddenly they bloom forth and you step back and think, "Wow! and that was inside of you this whole time? Such life!"
....the desert is ripe with life lessons.
P.S. I want to print the last one particularly large. Like, the size of a headboard in my daughter's room. :)
Ocotillo Buds n' Blossoms | 20 x 40 Metal Panels - Ready to Mount $220 set
Ocotillo Blossoms | 16 x 20 Fine Art Metal Panel - Ready to Mount $225
Ocotillo Blossom | 60 x 40 Fine Art Giclee Canvas | $525