This impressive succulent provides height, structure, and gorgeous spring flowers to Southwestern gardens
Ocotillo ( Fouquieria splendens , Zones 7–11 ) is an unusually beautiful desert gem . This succulent bush , often misidentified as a cactus , is unimaginable to miss when you are travel through the desert . Typically , ocotillo can be discern along roadway ; they also love to grow on hilltop . On a late cave go , I discovered that a hill covered in Fouquieria splendens can show a cave below , typically made of limestone . Because of this , cavers call ocotillos “ index plants . ”
A rare native
Ocotillos are referred to by several other names , let in candlewood , ocotillo , and flame steel . Although aboriginal to our country , specifically the Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert regions , they can be unmanageable to come by . Ocotillos are protected , which mean that it is illegal to reap them from the desert . Local glasshouse will sometimes sell ocotillos that were save from construction site , and you may happen some for sale online .
Impressive size and color
Ocotillos can grow up to 20 feet marvellous in the wilderness , but train ocotillo will likely stay more stocky at 10 feet tall . They necessitate full sun and thrive in well - drained soil . During leap and summer , they may be cover in small greenish leaves if provided with enough moisture from the monsoons and/or supplemental irrigation . It may take a class or more for an ocotillo to leaf out or to show any signs of growth . The most beautiful characteristic of this industrial plant is the blooms it produces in late spring to other summertime . These salad days are brilliant red or orangish tubelike flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stems . They create a gorgeous line against the brilliant green leaves running up and down the cane .
Transplanting is a delicate art
Perfect for xeriscape gardens , ocotillos not only add stature and color to gardens , but they are top-notch drought tolerant once established . Their drought leeway permit them to go for foresighted periods of prison term with little to no moisture . Although they can be plant in container , they will not grow to their genuine voltage . Ocotillos can be transplant year - orotund , but the idealistic meter is March through May . Be sure to transplant to the same grow profundity and orientation — that is , constitute the coachwhip in its young location facing the same direction that it was look antecedently . Also , dig a hole as thick as the root system , but no deeper . The south side of the industrial plant will always be more estrus insubordinate , which help forestall it from burning when replanted . I have do by this proven proficiency through many failures . Another joke I ’ve learned is that after digging the hole , you’re able to fill it with water and observe it enfeeble . If it claim less than an minute to drain , it ’s unadulterated for your ocotillo .
Steady irrigation till establishment
irrigate your coachwhip after graft should be done with caution . If you overwater your ocotillo , like all succulent it will give out . You water once a week during the summer and every other hebdomad during the winter . If Mother Nature gifts you with some free irrigation , then skip your lacrimation . Once the Jacob’s staff is established , meaning that it ’s leafing out , then you could cut back your watering schedule . Remember , this can take a year or more . In the winter calendar month , once it is established , you should not need to water your Fouquieria splendens at all . In the summer , water it once every 3 to 4 week after establishment .
I definitely encourage you to think outside the box a bit and find a sunny , opened space in your landscape for an Fouquieria splendens . Although it can look a act barren during a salutary part of the twelvemonth ( as it is drouth deciduous ) , when it riffle out and bloom , you will be so beaming you waited for the show . It is really an amazing succulent that will provide enjoyment for decennium to add up .
— Laurel Startzel is an interior designer and container garden designer . She is a former co - proprietor of Denver Dirty Girls , a container horticulture business , and lives in Tucson , Arizona .
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An ocotillo in bloom is an impressive specimen, with long stems covered in light green foliage that each ends with a long inflorescence of blood red flowers.Photo: Laurel Startzel
Ocotillos growing native in the desert can reach up to 20 feet tall.Photo: Laurel Startzel
Ocotillo blooms are tubular and come in clusters at the end of long stems.Photo: pixabay.com
Adding an ocotillo to your garden will require close attention to irrigation and soil moisture levels until firm establishment.Photo: Laurel Startzel
