Apache Plume

One common trait that most southwestern native shrubs share is that the flowers are generally very colorful and in most every case very interesting. Apache Plume, Fallugia paradoxa is no different. In fact, the plant produces a very unique flower structure that is full of interest and that must be seen to be truly appreciated. Talking about it just doesn't seem to do justice to the plant.

Apache Plume is a graceful, slender, arching and relatively compact shrub that is absolutely loaded with color and interest. Even though the plant can look unkempt and even messy at times it still has a very attractive and has an interesting appearance. This plant is without a doubt a must for any xeriscape landscape

First is the somewhat dark foliage that makes a very good backdrop for the pastel white flowers with a yellow button-center of stamens. Second is that very same delicate-looking white 5 petaled flower that looks like a small rose. Stands to reason then that Apache Plume is part of the Rose family! In full bloom, which is from May to September, and against the dark foliage the flower gives an awesome appearance to the plant. Third is the colorful fruit the plant produces. These fruit clusters come equipped with feathery, hair-like, pinkish-purplish tails that are said to resemble an Apache headdress; hence the name Apache Plume. It is these little fruit clusters are what are truly unique and interesting to see up close. It is a feature of the plant that is sure to turns heads and elicit questions.

Just like all southwestern natives this plant is certainly tough. It takes full sun and the cold temps of the desert. It will also take some light shade, just not too much. And it is definitely drought tolerant but Apache Plume does better with a little mid-summer water. The plant will generally do best in moderately fast draining soil so don't think you have to have the best soil around to grow them, they will adapt. Apache Plume is a semi-deciduous to evergreen dicot (dicotyledonous), perennial that will look its best when it is carefully trimmed during the fall. Trimming should only center around thinning the excess of woody growth so be sure not to hack the plant to drastically. This will simply lead to a shortened life span. Keep in mind that this is one plant that looks very attractive when left to grow in as natural state as possible.

The natural habitat of the Apache Plume is the arid, rocky slopes of the southwestern high desert mountains and grows in arroyos and dry rocky slopes in pinion-juniper woodland at elevations of 3,000-8,000 feet. The plant is native to California, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and northern Mexico. Another interesting fact is that the native people of the southwest once used the stems of Apache Plumes to make hair tonic, brooms and arrow shafts.

The flowers of Apache Plume are definitely attractive to bees and butterflies. If it is your desire for your landscape to attract wildlife then its good to know the plant also provides a refuge to native wildlife and that the seeds attract birds as well. Apache Plume is difficult to start from seed so it is best to buy young plants in 1 to 5 gallon sizes Just make sure the plants are adequately spaced for the specific look you might be trying to achieve.

So to recap if you would like a plant in your landscape that is full of color and of great interest, easy to care for, and drought tolerant then you really don’t need to look any further than Apache Plume. By introducing this plant to your landscape you will be rewarded with an awesome, yet somewhat overlooked, addition to the garden.

Desert Wllow

One of the most colorful and seemingly necessary trees for any self-respecting xeriscape or southwestern landscape design has to be the Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis. Frankly this is an invaluable tree for our harsh desert climate in that it does three important things rather well. First, it provides an abundance of wonderful color with its streaked and veined, trumpet shaped flowers that now come in a wide variety of colors. Two, it is a wonderfully drought tolerant tree that can grow as wide as it does tall. Couple that with the fact that the tree is naturally the size of a large shrub and is now being produced and sold in these smaller sizes and you have a can't miss combination. Three is the fact that Desert Willow is a tremendously fast grower that can reach mature heights rather quickly. This means less care and cost of maintenance.

The tree gets its name because of the resemblance to the Willow tree ((Salix alba) in that it has a similar graceful, arching habit that is in and of itself very attractive. In our region the Desert Willow is a very popular ornamental tree that is found in great abundance. For the most part Desert Willows are relatively maintenance free but they are highly susceptible to aphids. This is very important to keep in mind when deciding where to plant the tree in the garden. When infested the tree produces an abundance of sap that can stain concrete and damage outdoor furniture. It also makes trying to grow anything underneath the tree difficult as well. So definitely keep a sharp eye out for aphids and ants on or near your Desert Willows. Ants farm and milk aphids much like humans farm and milk cows so if you happen to see ants on your Desert Willows then rest assured you have aphids. A 'green' solution to the aphid problem is a mixture of dish liquid and vegetable oil in equal proportions. Use a common backyard sprayer to apply.

Desert Willows are native throughout the entire southwestern region from Texas to California and Northern Mexico. Because of the tremendous popularity of this tree there are now many different cultivars available to choose from. The tree has a long blooming season that starts in late spring and goes until late fall or until the very first frost of the year. The tree it deciduous and extremely cold hardy. It will easily survive even the worst winters that our desert can dish out. Keep in mind that while the tree is extremely drought tolerant it will perform best with regular water. This makes it ideal for planting near lawn turf areas.

Another wonderful benefit of the Desert Willow, just like a number of other desert trees and shrubs, is that Desert Willow is very attractive to Hummingbirds. As I've mentioned before if you like using natural means in attracting Hummingbirds to the garden this tree will help accomplish that. The flowers of the tree are somewhat orchid-like, fragrant. and trumpet shaped, about 2 to 2 1/2 inches long and come in a wide variety of colors a with various styles of veining and streaking. As previously mentioned Desert Willow is fairly maintenance free but it does create some seed pod liter that should be periodically addressed. There may be the occasional sucker to deal with so patience is required if a single trunk specimen is desired. The tree is somewhat tolerant of most soils but try to avoid planting in overly rocky soils if possible.

All in all Desert Willows are a wonderful addition to any landscape for any number of reasons. The tree provides great color and interest, has a very attractive and graceful growth habit, is generally very drought tolerant and is, for the most part, relatively easy to maintain and care for. The tree comes in either single or multi trunked varieties and can be grown as a featured specimen tree highlighted in the garden with accent lighting. When it comes down to it it is easy to see why this tree is such a popular tree for Suthern California and our desert region.

Red Yucca

One of the more interesting drought tolerant plants because of its tremendous architectural benefits in the landscape is the Red Yucca, Hesperaloe parviflora. This plant is certainly a must accent plant in any xeriscape landscape but, in all reality, should be used in moderation. When planted too close together the plant can tend to look kind of ratty and unkempt. On the other hand when spaced properly and used as highlights for specific areas they can indeed be very attractive. So much so that they can even be highlighted in the garden at night with accent lighting.

Red Yucca is part of the Agave Family (Agavaceae) and are without a doubt quite popular as evidenced by the widespread use of the plant throughout the Inland Empire. By far one the most remarkable benefits of the Red Yucca when its in full bloom is its ability to attract Hummingbirds. As previously mentioned when discussing one of my favorite features of the Desert Bird-of-Paradise Red Yucca is also a tremendous lure for Hummingbirds. So if you like to attract Hummingbirds to the garden (and who doesn't) then make sure to find a place for a few in your landscape.

The flowers of these plants grow on long spikes that can reach up to 8 feet tall. The flowers tend to be red to pink about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, somewhat trumpet shaped and, just like Desert Bird-of-Paradise, they have long, protruding stamens. There is also a variety that produces yellow flowers. Red Yuccas also produce a rather large seed pod that in itself can be quite interesting. This seed pod contains numerous black, flat seeds that need to be dried prior to attempting to propagate them.

Red Yuccas prefer full sun and don't generally do well when overly shaded so for best flowering results be sure to plant them in the open. Once established the plant needs little, if any, direct water. This makes them perfect for our naturally dry desert climate. In fact when overly watered the plant will begin to look shaggy and overgrown and loose its naturally graceful arching habit.

The plant itself requires little to no maintenance except for the need to remove spent flower stalks at the end of the growing season so it is perfect for those looking for ease of maintenance. Red Yucca has a long growing season from late spring to late fall. The plant is very tolerant of the low winter temperatures typical of the desert and is cold hardy to the low teens and below. These plants can also take inadequate soil conditions. As long as the soil adequately drains Red Yucca will be tolerant of most soil conditions.

The plant itself is quite versatile in that it can be used many design applications. Besides the obvious uses in xeriscape and southwestern designs the plant can also be used in tropical and Mediterranean settings as well. And because the plant is clean and does not shed it is also extremely useful and quite beneficial around swimming pools.

So let review. Red Yucca is clean, doesn't shed, is drought tolerant, interesting and colorful, easy to maintain, extremely cold hardy, takes full sun and reflected heat with ease, attracts Hummingbirds and has a graceful, arching form. Wow! No wonder Red Yucca, Hesperaloe parviflora is one of the most widely used landscape shrubs in our region.