This upright thorny succulent occurs from southern California east to Texas and ranges south into northern Mexico. Long, spiny branches often referred to as "canes" radiate from a central base in a vase shape. Mature plants usually grow to 10 - 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide. Small bright green leaves line the branches after rains, or with regular irrigation. Vivid red tubular flowers appear at the branch tips primarily in spring, but may also occur after summer rains. Hummingbirds love the blossoms! Plant in full sun and well drained soils. Until recently only bare root plants harvested from the wild were available. These salvaged plants have about a 50% survival rate. Reliable nursery grown seedlings are now widely available in the trade.
Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo)
Fouquieria splendens
Ocotillo
This upright thorny succulent occurs from southern California east to Texas and ranges south into northern Mexico. Long, spiny branches often referred to as "canes" radiate from a central base in a vase shape. Mature plants usually grow to 10 - 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide. Small bright green leaves line the branches after rains, or with regular irrigation. Vivid red tubular flowers appear at the branch tips primarily in spring, but may also occur after summer rains. Hummingbirds love the blossoms! Plant in full sun and well drained soils. Until recently only bare root plants harvested from the wild were available. These salvaged plants have about a 50% survival rate. Reliable nursery grown seedlings are now widely available in the trade.
| Plant Type | Native, Cactus / Succulent, Shrub |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 7 (0° F) |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Height | 8' - 20' (ft) |
| Spread | 5' - 10' (ft) |
| Spacing | 96" - 120" (in) |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Hummingbirds |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Image by: MSWN
Image by: MSWN
This catalog is for reference purposes. Plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
