Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Deciduous Tree
Plant Family: Bignoniaceae
Plant Description: Small, multi-stemmed, deciduous tree with bright pink orchid-like flowers appearing throughout the summer. It is a favorite of hummingbirds. Despite its name it is not actually a willow, but rather a member of the legume family. Native to Utah but only semi-hardy in our zone and may have some branch die-back during the coldest years. Sometimes behaves more like a large shrub.
Maintenance:
Maintenance Type: Tree - Deciduous
Plant Care: Tree - Deciduous (single-stemmed woody plants that lose their leaves every winter): Prune regularly to promote health, provide air circulation, maintain a desirable shape, and to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most trees. With spring blooming trees, prune after the blooms are spent. Choose species that are resistant to pest damage. Monitor the tree for pests, diseases or other ailments on a regular basis. Protect the trunk especially where maintenance activities, such as mowing, may cause damage. Newly planted trees in areas with high exposure should have the trunk protected during the winter.
Plant Attributes:
Mature Size: 6-25' tall and wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Localscapes: Tree, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Pink, Purple, Lavender
Bloom Seasons: Summer
Bloom Period: Jul - Sep
Growing Conditions:
Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)
Irrigation Requirement: 
Very Low (Water to Establish)
Very Low (Water to Establish)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Unknown
Garden Location:
-
Not on display
- Not on display
Garden Staff Tips & Insights:
This plant is only mostly hardy in the Salt Lake Valley, you may have to trim off the top foot or so of the branches every spring.
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Spring -
Summer -
Fall -
Winter
