A Sonoran Desert native with soft, gray-green stems and red tubular flowers that peak from midwinter into spring. Its name means “hummingbird” in Spanish, and it is one of the best plants for drawing them to the garden.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. As a true desert native it should be kept lean once established. Occasional extra water in the heat of summer keeps it fuller and faster growing.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring, after the main bloom. Remove dead stems and cut back lightly to keep it dense. Avoid shearing, which removes flowers and spoils its loose shape.
Leaf drop
It often goes nearly leafless in drought or cold. The green stems still carry the plant, and leaves return with warmth and water.
How our designers use it
Winter color
It blooms when much of the desert garden is quiet, which makes it valuable near windows and patios.
Hummingbird gardens
Paired with penstemon, red yucca and desert honeysuckle, it keeps hummingbirds visiting through the cool season.
Hot, open spaces
It handles reflected heat from walls and paving, and works as an informal low hedge.
Good to know
Around the pool
Low litter and no thorns. Expect hummingbirds while it is in bloom.
