El Niño Desert Orchid is a large hybrid shrub or small tree with long, narrow rich green leaves. Its upright clusters of sweetly fragrant, soft purple flowers look like a blend of orchids and snapdragons and bloom in late spring or early summer, than sporadically through the rest of summer. Grows best in deep well-drained soils.
|
Type: |
|
|
Origins: |
Chilopsis linearis x Catalpa bignonoides |
|
Height: |
10' - 15' |
|
Spread: |
8' - 10' |
|
Spacing: |
10' |
|
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
6 - 9 |
|
Culture: |
|
|
Bloom Color: |
Purple |
|
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Medium maintenance. Powdery mildew can be a significant problem in growing areas with high summer humidity (e.g., the southeastern U. S.) and in growing conditions where trees are planted in too much shade. Additional disease problems include verticillium wilt, root rot and leaf spots. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, scale and whiteflies.
LANDSCAPE USES: Group Plantings or Specimen Tree, Naturalized Areas, Woodland Gardens, and Shade Tree
COMPANION PLANTS: Red Yucca, Mexican Feather Grass, Agave
IMAGES: Photos by Proven Winners, El Niño® Desert Orchid
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.
