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Current Plant Data
Desert Plant Guide currently contains detailed information for 55 desert plants, 28 gardening definitions, 10,663 Latin desert plant names, 18 desert garden articles, 51 desert garden blog entries and 175 desert plant images.
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Ocotillo - Fouquieria splendens
Few things in the desert can compare to the striking silhouette of an ocotillo. They are tall, multi-stemmed plants with several long canes coming from the base of the plant.
In the late winter the ocotillo bursts with amazing, red, tubular flowers that dangle from the tips of the canes. Four or five times a year the ocotillow comes alive with lush, green leaves that cover the canes. This usually occurs a couple of days after a hearty summer rainfall.
Size (HXW): 25 Ft X 10 Ft
USDA Hardiness zones: 8a-11
Sun requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Drought tolerant; rain encourages leaf growth
Similar suggested plants: Soap tree yucca, Joshua tree
Bloom period: Spring through Summer
Planting and growing information: Dig a hole big enough to accomodate the root system. Ocotillo grows best in rocky, fast draining desert soil. It is a very slow-growing root system and may take up to 2 years to leaf out regularly. Be patient! It is well worth the wait.
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