Popular TreesSelect the right ornamental or fruit-bearing tree for your garden
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Are you searching for a tree that raise showy , long - survive blooms and a canopy of succulent greenish foliage , even in the desert heating plant ? Then look no further than the desert willow ( Chilopsis linearis ) , a lowly , fast - growing tree diagram named for its slender , willow - like leaves .
Native to the desert Southwest , the desert willow tree is not a honest willow tree , but rather a member of the family Bignoniaceae , which includes plant like the horn crawler ( Campsis radicans ) and southern catalpa ( Catalpa bignonioides ) . Like its relatives , it puts on a dazzling display of vibrant , trumpet - shaped bloom . What sets it apart , is an exceptionally long bloom period that extend from spring through early declension .
As Noelle Johnson , plantsman and writer ofDry Climate horticulture , describes:“Amidst the scorch summer of the southwesterly landscape , the desert willow emerges as a refreshing haven . Its vibrant pinkish and magenta flower offer mottled ghost to the plants below , provide relief from the desert ’s intensity . ”
With its power to attract hummingbirds , thrive in poor soils , and flourish with minimal water , this thornless , versatile tree is ideal for small spaces like patios and courtyards — earn it a favourite in xeriscape and climate - resilient designs .
In increase to its decorative appeal , the desert willow is unmistakably adaptable . regard a phreatophyte — a type of plant that accesses groundwater through rich root — it requires minimum watering once established , making it an idealistic campaigner for low - alimony landscapes . This deep root system also plays a crucial role in stabilise soil and preventing corroding , peculiarly in sandy or gravelly terrain .
On this Thomas Nelson Page : Basics|Planting|Care & Pruning|Frequently Asked Questions
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DESERT WILLOW BASICS
Botanical name:
Chilopsis linearis
Common names:
Desert willow , flowering willow , willowleaf Indian bean , submit willow , flor de mimbre ( a Spanish terminal figure that translates to " flower of willow " )
Plant type:
Deciduous tree diagram
Zones:
Typically 7 - 10 ( with some cultivar insensate hardy down to zone 5 ) , manage episodic Robert Lee Frost with rest
Native range:
aboriginal across much of the southwest U.S. , let in Texas , New Mexico , Arizona , Nevada , Utah , and California , run into parts of northern Mexico
Exposure:
Full sunlight
Size:
15 to 30 foot tall , 10 to 25 feet wide
Growth rate:
Moderate to fast
Flowers:
Trumpet - form blooms with rippled petals are similar in appearance to orchid flowers . They may be shades of pink , purple , lavender , or clean , often with intricate stripe or patterns in their throat . With the exclusion of unimaginative cultivars , the efflorescence are follow by farseeing , bonce - like seed pods .
Foliage:
Long and narrow with a pointed tip , interchangeable to a willow foliage . Typically light to medium William Green in colour .
Landscape uses:
Specimen plant , erosion control , xeriscaping , wraith tree , windbreak or privacy screen , desert gardens .
Special attributes:
" Throughout the spring and summer , and even into twilight , it could have flower on it off and on that whole entire sentence — especially if it gets a little bit of piss . " — Greg Pongetti , know collections curator atFullerton Arboretum , CA .
PLANTING DESERT WILLOW
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When to plant:
Plant during the cooler months of fall or early spring to grant the root to establish before the heat of summertime arrive .
Where to plant:
Native to dry streambeds , arroyo , and washes in desert regions , Chilopsisgrows best in red-hot climates with low humidness . For optimal bloom production , choose a planting web site with full Lord’s Day photo ( at least 6 to 8 hours daily ) and splendid drainage . To accommodate the desert willow tree ’s elegant , spreading branch , industrial plant at least 10 to 15 feet away from buildings , wall , or other social organisation .
Soil:
Prefers well - debilitate limestone grunge , but can tolerate a wide mountain chain of soil types , including dry clay , loam , and sand , provide that drainage is adequate . forfend planting in heavy Lucius DuBignon Clay stain that retain excessive wet , which can take to ascendent rot .
How to plant:
Dig a hole twice as encompassing and slightly shallow than the tree ’s root ball . take away the plant from its container , gently loosen the ascendant , and then place it in the hole with the theme crest slightly above ground degree to promote proper drain and forestall rot . Backfill the yap with grime , gently tamping it down to remove air pocket and see good grease - to - root contact .
After planting , weewee thoroughly to take root the soil around the roots . To help retain moisture and regulate grime temperature , utilise a stratum of mulch around the base of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , hold back it a few inch forth from the proboscis .
“ Its sporty prime , its power to tolerate piteous grease , and its tolerance for drought , when established , should put the desert willow on everyone ’s list in this metre of climate dubiety . ” — Delmar Cain , Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas
DESERT WILLOW CARE & PRUNING
picture by : Bonnie Talylor Barry / Shutterstock
Watering:
The first year after planting , desert willow tree needs consistent moisture to establish its roots . Water profoundly once or twice a week , aiming to keep the territory evenly moist but not waterlogged .
Once established , Chilopsisthrives with minimum lacrimation because its deep origin are highly effective at accessing groundwater . During drawn-out dry spells or utmost rut , a deep watering once every three to four weeks during the grow season is normally sufficient and will encourage more uniform flowering . However , it ’s of import to avoid overwatering , which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases .
Amendments & fertilizer:
Because desert willows thrive in nutrient - piteous filth , fertilizing is normally unneeded . However , if growth seems sluggish , you could apply a balanced , dull - release plant food in other spring . Be careful not to overfertilize , which can lead in speedy ontogeny and frail branch that are more susceptible to damage from substantial winds . An overburden of nutrient may also reduce flower production .
Because desert willows are well - adapted to poor soils , amendment typically are not required . However , if your territory is heavy clay , consider incorporate constitutional matter at planting to improve drainage .
Pruning:
Chilopsisnaturally recrudesce multiple trunks and numerous branches , apply it a shrubby appearance . If you favour a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - like form , prune as needed to take away the lower branches and suckers at the base of the works . This kick upstairs up increase and help make a more set , central trunk .
The idealistic time to prune blossoming willow tree is during its sleeping time of year , typically in late winter or other spring . This allows the tree diagram to form callus over pruning snub before newfangled development begins . Additionally , a light pruning during the summer will encourage fresh maturation and more abundant flowering , since the desert willow tree blooms on new Ellen Price Wood .
Diseases and pests:
Desert willows are generally repellent to pests and diseases , but be on the lookout foraphidsandspider touch . Root rot can occur in overly wet , poorly drained soil .
" Even if it dies back in a tough winter , do n’t worry — it blooms on raw Ellen Price Wood , so it will still blossom attractively the undermentioned season . " — Stacey Hirvela , Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs
DESERT WILLOW VARIETIES
‘BUBBA’
A fast - produce Texas native boasting lush , glossy green leafage mark off by coloured two - toned flowers in shades of pinkish and Bourgogne . Mature sizing : Up to 25 feet tall and wide
ART’S SEEDLESS®
unfeigned to its name , this seedless cultivar produces an abundance of big rosy-cheeked pink blooms , but no semen , eliminating the peck of fallen seed seedcase . Mature sizing : Up to 25 foot tall and broad
‘LUCRETIA HAMILTON’
Smaller than most desert willow , this compact form dazzles with bright fuchsia blooms all summertime , perfect for tight spaces or gravid containers . Mature size:12 to 18 feet tall and broad
‘SWEET KATIE BURGUNDY’
Striking Bourgogne trump - determine flowers with pinkish undertone and yellow throats flower continuously from former bounce to fall .
TIMELESS BEAUTY®
Another seedless variety , sport tubular bi - biased bloom in shade of burgundy and pale lavender .
‘HOPE’
An exceptionally stale - unfearing cultivar ( down to zone 5 ) , sport frilly , pure white flowers fructify against a backcloth of willowy green foliation . Mature size:12 to 15 feet tall and panoptic
El Niño® Desert Orchid(Chitalpa)
El Niño ® Desert Orchid . Photo by : Proven Winners .
What do you get when you cross a desert willow tree ( genus Chilopsis linearis ) with its near first cousin , the Indian bean ( Catalpasp . ) ? You get theChitalpa — a infertile crossbreed that combines the best trait of both species .
TheEl Niño ® Desert OrchidChitalpais a deciduous shrub or small tree diagram with stunning , orchid - like , regal flowers that bloom from belated spring through summertime and appeal pollinator with their sweet fragrance . More cold - hardy than desert willow and more rut and drought tolerant thanCatalpa , this hybrid also produces no messy seed pods . Its summary , pyramidical shape is ideal for borders , hedges , mass plantings , or as a specimen . Thrives in Dominicus to part sunshine with well - draining grease and stand up to heating system , miserable ground , and deer .
Mature size:10 to 15 fundament tall , 8 to 10 feet across-the-board
" This gorgeous plant life get really well in a container for us . We love its beautiful , frilly blossom and its flush advancement from bottom to top . The pollinators loved it too ! " — Allison , Spoken Garden .
“ The fragrance is unbelievable — it smell like fresh vanilla extract and mature melon , almost like cantaloupe or honeydew . ” — Stacey Hirvela , Proven Winners ColorChoice bush
Watchthis short videoshowing El Niño ® Desert Orchid Chitalpa .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the cons of the desert willow tree?
While desert willows are highly suitable for their relaxation of maintenance , drought tolerance , and showy tropic - looking flower , they do come in with a few drawback . give an undecided , airy canopy , they supply modified nicety compare to denser trees . They also recede their foliage in winter , will the offshoot bare during the inhuman months .
AlthoughChilopsiscan tolerate occasional frost , exposure to extended stop of temperature below 10 ° F may damage or even kill the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree if protection is n’t offer . This makes the plant life inapplicable for surface area with harsh , extended winter .
How fast do desert willow trees grow?
Under ideal conditions , Chilopsishas a restrained to fast growth rate . When pass on full sunlight and casual deep lachrymation , expect your plant to grow 2 to 3 feet each year .
Are desert willow trees invasive?
While the desert willow tree is not separate as being invasive , its adaptability and ability to ego - seeded player prolifically in favorable conditions can sometimes direct to plants spread beyond destine country . To prevent the bed covering from becoming problematic , supervise your works ’s growth and remove any undesirable seedling .
Is desert willow a good tree for xeriscaping?
perfectly ! The desert willow is an outstanding choice for xeriscaping , thriving effortlessly in dry , arid surroundings . Once established , it display exceptional drouth tolerance , even under extreme heating system and acute sunlight .
Do desert willow trees drop seeds?
With the exception of seedless cultivar , such as Art ’s Seedless ® and El Niño ® Desert Orchid , most desert willow tree produce seeded player pods as part of their natural growth hertz . These attic - like pods , typically 6 to 12 inch long , contain legion seeds that are disseminate by the steer once the seedcase dry and carve up open . The fuel pod typically persist on the tree diagram through the winter , furnish a reliable food source for foraging birds .
Are desert willow flowers fragrant?
Yes , Chilopsisflowers are known for their delicious scent , having a scent often described as fresh with delicate flowered note . The odor acts as a beacon for pollinators like bees , hummingbirds , and butterfly , ensuring successful pollination and contributing to the tree ’s reproduction .
What is the lifespan of a desert willow tree?
With proper charge and prosperous environmental conditions , a desert willow can hold out for 50 long time or more , name it a indestructible and long - lasting summation to gardens and landscapes .
