El Niño™ Desert Orchid

A completely new plant! El Niño desert orchid is a hybrid between a desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) and catalpa (Catalpa sp.). Both plants are native to North America and have passed on some really neat characteristics to this remarkable new plant. It’s ready to move into your garden and brave poor soils, dry heat, and even deer to deliver deliciously fragrant orchid-like flowers to your space.

Why grow El Niño desert orchid?
– Fabulous garden performance with its heat tolerance and deer resistance
– Deliciously fragrant and delicate flowers
– Long bloom time

Additional information

Zone

6, 7, 8, 9

Flower Color

Purple

Foliage Color

Green

Height

5-8'

Width/Spread

4-6'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun

Soil

Average, Well-drained

Bloom Time

Late Spring

Uses

Borders, Screening, Specimen

Features

Deer resistant, Fragrant, Heat tolerant, Landscape plant, Reblooming, Tree

Blooms On

Old and new wood

Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney

Plant Type:

Plant Care

Light: Thrives in a spot that is situated in direct sunlight for a minimum of four hours and up to all-day exposure.

Soil: Prefers well-draining soil.

Water: Average water needs.

Fertilizing: Not needed. Enjoys growing in poor soil.

Pruning: If pruning is desired, do so in the early spring.

Other: It can be grown as a shrub or a small tree. Shape accordingly.