Tree
Chitalpa
× Chitalpa tashkentensis
A desert willow × catalpa hybrid covered in pink trumpets all summer.
- Pollinator
- Hummingbird
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 6–9
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 20–30 ft tall × 20–30 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Clusters of pink to white ruffled trumpets from late spring into fall
- Plant type
- Tree
- Native range
- A hybrid of the native desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) and southern catalpa
Why we recommend it
A fast small flowering tree that blooms for months in heat and drought, with bigger flower clusters than desert willow and more cold tolerance. 'Pink Dawn' and 'Morning Cloud' are common selections.
Best regions: SouthwestTexasHigh DesertSouthern California
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Deep-water every 1–2 weeks the first two summers; established trees want a monthly soak in summer.
Pruning
Prune in late winter to establish trunks and remove weak or crossing limbs.
Soil
Well-drained soil, including alkaline. Overhead watering promotes leaf spot.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Chitalpa from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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