| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
|
Category |
Shrub |
|
Size |
3′ x 4′ |
|
Flower Color |
Late Winter to Spring |
|
Flower Season |
Late Winter to Spring |
|
Exposure |
Full Sun |
|
Water |
Low |
|
Growth Rate |
Moderate to Fast |
|
Hardiness |
25°F |
|
Notes: |
Attracts Hummingbirds |
Native to the Sonoran Desert, “chuparosa” is a shrub that normally grows to about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Under ideal contitions, it can grow to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Leaves are semi-succulent and measure about 1 inch long. Tubular flowers are nearly 1.5 inches long. Red is the most common flower color with yellow or orange variations less common. Chuparosa attracts hummingbirds and blooms through the long, mild winters in Southern Arizona.
Plant chuparosa in the fall or spring in fast-draining soil. This shrub is drought tolerant and can grow on 10 inches or less of annual rainfall. The foliage will be sparse, unless chuparosa is given periodic water in the summer and during the growing season. Growth rate is moderate to fast, depending on the amount of supplemental water applied. It should be watered monthly or just often enough to prevent wilting. Prune chuparosa in the spring to remove winter-damaged stems and rejuvenate the plant.
