Description
- The Desert willow has large, trumpet shaped flowers in white, pink, purple that bloom in the spring and summer. Hummingbirds and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers.There are several different cultivars with different colored flowers.
- The beautiful flowers might distract you from the essential toughness of this tree. Heat does not bother this tree. After the tree is established, a year or two, it needs little additional irrigation because it is adapted to very low or low water.
- Narrow leaves drop in the fall. As trees mature, long, narrow bean pods follow the flowers.
- In its native range, the Desert Willow may grow as a multi-trunk small tree, but most nursery trees are grown as single trunk trees. Simple pruning to keep the trunk free of foliage will maintain a single trunk form. Multi-trunk trees are also attractive.
- Desert Willow trees thrive in well-drained soil with very low or low water. It is subject to root diseases is over watered or planted in poorly drained soil. If your soil is frequently soggy, planting on a mound or above a retaining wall will ensure good drainage.
- Consider planting one as a focal point in a "Water Wise" landscape.
This Desert Willow will look better with trunk branches removed
Size
Height: 20 to 25 feet
Spread: 10 to 20 feet
Growth Rate: faster
Irrigation needed: very low or low water
Fall Color: none
Flowers: large, white, pink, purple trumpet-shaped flowers
Seeds/Fruit: narrow, long beans
Planting Distances
Front of green utility box: 8 feet
Building or swimming pool: 4 feet
Fence, underground utilities: 3 feet
Paving: 2 feet
OK to plant under high voltage lines
Desert Willow blooming
Desert Willow in winter
Young Desert Willow with purple flowers
Flowers of Desert Willow 'Bubba'