Searching for a beautiful, low-maintenance tree that thrives in Prescott's climate? Look no further than the Rio Salado Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis 'Rio Salado'). Despite its name, it's not a true willow but a stunning, drought-tolerant deciduous tree perfect for adding graceful charm to your landscape. This variety boasts gorgeous, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of burgundy and red-purple that bloom profusely from late spring through fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard.
The Rio Salado Desert Willow typically grows to a moderate size, reaching about 15-25 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide. Its airy, open canopy provides lovely filtered shade in the summer and allows winter sun to warm your home. It's an excellent choice for a specimen tree or to line a driveway. This desert beauty absolutely flourishes in our Prescott Zone 7, requiring full sun to truly show off its vibrant blooms.
One of the best features of the Desert Willow is its remarkable resilience. It's highly drought-tolerant once established and generally quite animal-resistant, making it a worry-free addition to your garden. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Desert Willows are usually left alone.
When planting your Rio Salado Desert Willow, ensure you provide well-drained soil. We highly recommend mixing Watters Premium Mulch with your garden's native soil. This blend creates an ideal environment for root development, improves water retention, and helps suppress weeds. To give your new tree the best start, incorporate a generous amount of 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food into the planting hole. This will provide the essential nutrients for strong growth and abundant flowering.
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