Desert Willow Plant Care

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) belongs to the Bignoniaceae family within the Chilopsis genus. Desert Willow is also known as Catalpa.

Desert Willow displays a small tree or large shrub growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Desert Willow produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Desert Willow every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Desert Willow thrives in full sun.

Chilopsis linearis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Desert Willow prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Desert Willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Desert Willow every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Desert Willow is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Desert Willow can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Desert Willow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Desert Willow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Desert Willow can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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Desert Willow is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Desert Willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Desert Willow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.