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    • Photo of Chilopsis linearis form by Panayoti Kelaidis

    Photo by Panayoti Kelaidis

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

    Show all photos

    Chilopsis linearis

    Also Known As

    • Desert Catalpa
    • Desert Willow
    • Flowering Willow

    Plant type

    tree, shrub

    size

    • H: 15'-30'
    • W: 10'-20'

    planting zones

    • 6a-10b

    More Options

    Chilopsis linearis plant details

    Chilopsis linearis is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer pink and white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Chilopsis linearis

    Plant type: shrub or tree
    Plant family: begoniaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
    Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and summer
    Uses: small tree

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Chilopsis linearis

    USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: regular - low
    Resistant to: heat
    Soil needs: well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    DESERT OR FLOWERING WILLOW - DESERT CATALPA - A shrub or small tree growing native along desert washes having long willow like narrow leaves. It produces fragrant catalpa like flowers of burgundy pink from may thru frost. Hardy in zone 8-10, growing up to 25' in a sunny location. Tolerates drought. Hummingbirds love it. Large brown seeds pods after the flowering season.

    By: Accents for Home and Garden

    Native to the washes of the Desert Southwest. Toughs out both drought and flood. Hardy down to zone 7 or 6. As with all desert plants, make sure soil is well drained. For sale are trees in small pots, 6 to 12 inches tall. WE CANNOT SHIP LIVE PLANTS INTERNATIONALLY!

    By: Edens Blooms

    The “desert willow” is well known to Southwesterners, where it grows along riverbeds and washes. It is also a nice ornamental small tree for its trumpet-like white spring flowers. One gardener has found it to be surprisingly cold-hardy in Pocatello, ID. Adaptable. -10 °F.

    By: The Desert Northwest

    Gardening facts about Chilopsis linearis plant

    How to Grow Chilopsis linearis

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • regular - drought tolerant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in summer

    • Soil Needs

      • adaptable
      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • white
      • pink

    • Wildlife

      • butterflies
      • hummingbirds

    • Flower Season

      • spring
      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    See other plant types of Chilopsis for your garden

    Chilopsis linearis 'Rio Salado'

    aka Rio Salado Desert Willow

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    7a-11

    Size

    Height: 20'-25'

    Width: 15'-20'

    • sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Chilopsis linearis 'Rio Salado' flower by Stan Shebs
    View Plant

    Chilopsis linearis 'Purple Splendor'

    aka Purple Splendor Desert Willow

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    8a-11

    Size

    Height: 10'-12'

    Width: 10'-12'

    • sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Chilopsis linearis 'Purple Splendor' flower, foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
    View Plant

    Chilopsis linearis 'Burgundy'

    aka Burgundy Desert Willow

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 15'-20'

    Width: 8'-10'

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    Photo of Chilopsis linearis 'Burgundy' flower by Far South Wholesale Nursery
    View Plant

    More Options

    Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba'

    aka Desert Willow

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 15'-20'

    Width: 6'-8'

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba' flower by Forestfarm
    View Plant

    Chilopsis linearis [purple]

    aka Chilopsis linearis 'Purple', Purple Desert Willow

    Plant Type

    Tree, Shrub

    Zones

    7a-11

    Size

    Height: 20'

    Width: 15'

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Chilopsis linearis [purple] flower by Far South Wholesale Nursery
    View Plant

    More Options

    +2 more Chilopsis
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