Popular TreesSelect the right ornamental or fruit-bearing tree for your garden
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Are you searching for a tree that produces showy , long - lasting flower and a canopy of riotous immature foliage , even in the desert heat ? Then reckon no further than the desert willow tree ( Chilopsis linearis ) , a lowly , fast - produce tree named for its slender , willow tree - same parting .
aboriginal to the desert Southwest , the desert willow is not a true willow , but rather a member of the kinsfolk Bignoniaceae , which includes plants like the trumpet crawler ( Campsis radicans ) and southern catalpa ( Catalpa bignonioides ) . Like its congeneric , it puts on a dazzling showing of vivacious , trump - shaped flowers . What sets it apart , is an exceptionally long bloom period that stretch from spring through early fall .
As Noelle Johnson , horticulturist and author ofDry Climate Gardening , describes:“Amidst the scorching summertime of the southwesterly landscape , the desert willow egress as a refreshing haven . Its vibrant pink and magenta flowers declare oneself dappled shade to the plants below , supply relief from the desert ’s intensity . ”
With its power to attract hummingbirds , flourish in wretched soils , and flourish with minimal water , this thornless , versatile tree is idealistic for smaller spaces like terrace and courtyards — making it a favorite in xeriscape and clime - resilient pattern .
In addition to its ornamental appeal , the desert willow is remarkably adaptable . Considered a phreatophyte — a type of plant that access groundwater through deep etymon — it call for minimal watering once established , making it an ideal prospect for down in the mouth - maintenance landscapes . This deep root system of rules also make for a crucial use in stabilize soil and preventing erosion , specially in arenaceous or gravelly terrain .
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DESERT WILLOW BASICS
Botanical name:
Chilopsis linearis
Common names:
Desert willow tree , blossom willow , willowleaf catalpa , accede willow , flor de mimbre ( a Spanish terminal figure that translates to " flower of willow " )
Plant type:
Deciduous tree
Zones:
Typically 7 - 10 ( with some cultivars cold hardy down to zone 5 ) , handles periodic frost with simpleness
Native range:
Native across much of the southwestern U.S. , include Texas , New Mexico , Arizona , Nevada , Utah , and California , extend into parts of northern Mexico
Exposure:
Full sun
Size:
15 to 30 foot marvellous , 10 to 25 foot wide
Growth rate:
restrained to fast
Flowers:
cornet - shaped blooms with frilly petals are similar in appearance to orchid bloom . They may be shades of pink , purple , lavender , or white , often with intricate streaks or radiation pattern in their throats . With the exclusion of sterile cultivars , the blooms are followed by long , bean - same germ cod .
Foliage:
Long and narrow with a pointed bakshish , similar to a willow tree leaf . Typically light to medium cat valium in color .
Landscape uses:
Specimen flora , erosion ascendancy , xeriscaping , nuance tree diagram , windbreak or seclusion covert , desert gardens .
Special attributes:
" Throughout the saltation and summertime , and even into fall , it could have bloom on it off and on that whole entire time — especially if it develop a little bit of water . " — Greg Pongetti , living collection curator atFullerton Arboretum , CA .
PLANTING DESERT WILLOW
pic by : Nikolay Kurzenko / Shutterstock
When to plant:
Plant during the cooler months of fall or former spring to permit the solution to found before the heat of summer get in .
Where to plant:
Native to dry out streambeds , arroyos , and washes in desert region , Chilopsisgrows best in hot climates with low humidness . For optimum blooming product , select a planting site with full Dominicus photograph ( at least 6 to 8 hours day by day ) and excellent drainage . To admit the desert willow ’s graceful , diffuse branches , plant at least 10 to 15 feet aside from construction , wall , or other social system .
Soil:
Prefers well - run out limestone grunge , but can allow a blanket reach of dirt types , include dry clay , loam , and sand , provided that drainage is decent . Avoid planting in profound Lucius DuBignon Clay soils that retain excessive moisture , which can lead to root rot .
How to plant:
Dig a hole double as wide and slimly shallow than the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s root globe . hit the plant from its container , softly loosen the roots , and then place it in the gob with the root treetop slightly above ground floor to promote right drainage and prevent putrefaction . Backfill the hole with soil , gently tamping it down to remove air pockets and see to it good territory - to - ancestor contact .
After planting , water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots . To help retain wet and regulate soil temperature , utilize a layer of mulch around the base of the tree diagram , keeping it a few inches away from the trunk .
“ Its showy flowers , its power to stand poor stain , and its tolerance for drought , when established , should put the desert willow tree on everyone ’s tilt in this time of climate uncertainty . ” — Delmar Cain , Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas
DESERT WILLOW CARE & PRUNING
pic by : Bonnie Talylor Barry / Shutterstock
Watering:
The first year after planting , desert willow needs consistent moisture to establish its theme . H2O deeply once or twice a week , aiming to keep the ground evenly moist but not waterlogged .
Once established , Chilopsisthrives with minimum tearing because its thick root are highly efficient at accessing groundwater . During extended teetotal go or utmost heat , a cryptic lacrimation once every three to four weeks during the growing time of year is usually sufficient and will encourage more logical flowering . However , it ’s important to avoid overwatering , which can head to stem rot and other fungal diseases .
Amendments & fertilizer:
Because desert willow thrive in nutritious - pitiful soil , fertilizing is usually unneeded . However , if development seems sluggish , you’re able to apply a balanced , slow - button fertilizer in other spring . Be measured not to overfertilize , which can ensue in rapid growth and sapless branches that are more susceptible to damage from unassailable winds . An overburden of nutrient may also reduce bloom production .
Because desert willow are well - adapted to poor soils , amendments typically are not required . However , if your soil is heavy clay , turn over incorporating organic thing at planting to improve drainage .
Pruning:
Chilopsisnaturally develops multiple automobile trunk and numerous arm , break it a shrubby appearance . If you prefer a tree - like form , prune as want to take away the lower branches and sucker at the Qaeda of the plant . This promotes upward emergence and aid make a more defined , central automobile trunk .
The ideal time to prune flowering willow is during its dormant season , typically in late wintertime or early saltation . This allows the tree diagram to mould callus over pruning cuts before Modern ontogeny start out . to boot , a light pruning during the summertime will encourage fresh ontogenesis and more abundant flowering , since the desert willow blooms on raw Natalie Wood .
Diseases and pests:
Desert willow tree are generally insubordinate to pest and disease , but be on the lookout foraphidsandspider mites . Root decomposition can pass in to a fault wet , ill debilitate soil .
" Even if it dies back in a tough wintertime , do n’t worry — it blooms on novel Grant Wood , so it will still blossom attractively the following time of year . " — Stacey Hirvela , Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs
DESERT WILLOW VARIETIES
‘BUBBA’
A tight - growing Texas native boasting lush , glossy fleeceable foliation set off by colored two - toned flower in shade of pink and Burgundy wine . Mature size of it : Up to 25 feet magniloquent and wide
ART’S SEEDLESS®
True to its name , this seedless cultivar produces an abundance of large rosy pinkish bloom , but no seeds , obviate the mess of fallen seed pod . Mature sizing : Up to 25 metrical unit marvelous and wide
‘LUCRETIA HAMILTON’
Smaller than most desert willows , this compact variety dazzles with bright fuchsia blooms all summer , perfect for taut space or large containers . get on size:12 to 18 feet marvellous and wide
‘SWEET KATIE BURGUNDY’
Striking burgundy trumpet - shaped flowers with pink undertones and yellowish throats bloom continuously from late spring to fall .
TIMELESS BEAUTY®
Another seedless variety , featuring tubular bi - colored salad days in nuance of Burgundy wine and pale lavender .
‘HOPE’
An exceptionally dusty - audacious cultivar ( down to zone 5 ) , featuring frilly , pure ashen flower set against a backdrop of willowy green foliage . Mature size:12 to 15 feet tall and wide
El Niño® Desert Orchid(Chitalpa)
El Niño ® Desert Orchid . Photo by : Proven Winners .
What do you get when you thwart a desert willow ( Chilopsis linearis ) with its airless cousin , the catalpa ( Catalpasp . ) ? You get theChitalpa — a sterile hybrid that combines the best traits of both metal money .
TheEl Niño ® Desert OrchidChitalpais a deciduous bush or small tree diagram with arresting , orchid - like , purplish prime that bloom from late spring through summer and appeal pollinators with their angelical aroma . More cold - fearless than desert willow tree and more heat and drought tolerant thanCatalpa , this loanblend also produces no messy seed pods . Its heavyset , pyramidal shape is ideal for borders , hedges , mass planting , or as a specimen . Thrives in sunlight to part sun with well - draining soil and stands up to oestrus , wretched soil , and deer .
Mature size:10 to 15 feet magniloquent , 8 to 10 feet full
" This gorgeous plant grew really well in a container for us . We loved its beautiful , frilly flowers and its bloom progression from bottom to top . The pollinator loved it too ! " — Allison , Spoken Garden .
“ The perfume is incredible — it reek like fresh vanilla and mature melon vine , almost like cantaloupe vine or honeydew melon . ” — Stacey Hirvela , Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs
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 repose of criminal maintenance , drought margin , and showy tropic - looking flowers , they do come with a few drawbacks . Having an open , airy canopy , they supply modified shadowiness compare to denser trees . They also lose their foliation in winter , leaving the branches bare during the colder months .
AlthoughChilopsiscan tolerate occasional hoar , exposure to extended periods of temperature below 10 ° F may damage or even kill the tree if protection is n’t provided . This makes the plant undesirable for areas with harsh , prolonged winters .
How fast do desert willow trees grow?
Under idealistic conditions , Chilopsishas a moderate to fast development rate . When give full sun and occasional inscrutable tearing , ask your plant to uprise 2 to 3 foot each year .
Are desert willow trees invasive?
While the desert willow is not classified as being invasive , its adaptability and ability to self - come prolifically in favourable condition can sometimes run to plants circulate beyond intended areas . To preclude the spread from becoming baffling , monitor your plant ’s growth and take away any unwanted seedling .
Is desert willow a good tree for xeriscaping?
perfectly ! The desert willow is an owing option for xeriscaping , flourish effortlessly in ironical , arid environment . Once ground , it demo exceptional drought allowance , even under extreme heating plant and intense sunlight .
Do desert willow trees drop seeds?
With the exclusion of seedless cultivar , such as Art ’s Seedless ® and El Niño ® Desert Orchid , most desert willow acquire semen pods as part of their natural maturation cycle . These bean - like pod , typically 6 to 12 inch long , hold back numerous cum that are circulate by the wind once the pods dry and rive opened . The pod typically persist on the tree through the winter , provide a dependable food source for foraging birds .
Are desert willow flowers fragrant?
Yes , Chilopsisflowers are known for their delightful fragrance , having a scent often identify as sweet with delicate floral notes . The odor acts as a beacon for pollinators like bees , hummingbirds , and butterfly stroke , ensuring successful pollination and contributing to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s reproduction .
What is the lifespan of a desert willow tree?
With right charge and favourable environmental conditions , a desert willow can exist for 50 year or more , make it a durable and long - lasting plus to gardens and landscape painting .
