I have six Chileopsis trees (Monhews and Dam Pink) of various ages. They are in north Georgia's clay soil, rarely to occasionally watere...Read Mored. The oldest, Monhews, is about 10 years of age and is 15' high/12' wide.It would be taller, but I prune it for breadth to encourage shade on our porch. It really wants to grow UP. I have never encountered anyone in (Zone 7) Georgia who has seen one in the state.
Called "Desert Willow", it apparently is NOT a real willow at all.
Monhews' pink and lavender 1 1/4" blooms (Jun-Jul) are spectacular and leaves provide good shade. All trees have shown significant drought tolerance, especially once established. They strongly prefer sun to shade..
Turns out Chileopsis is related to the Catalpa (Catawba) tree, common in the Carolinas.
There is one pest, Catawba (Catalpa) worms. Two years ago they sneaked up on me and nearly denuded the largest tree before I spotted the damage, but they did no long term damage. Last year we avoided them. They are active right now, but I was ready. A couple of hours over 3 days with a ladder, latex gloves and a bucket of detergent water is a small price to pay for those gorgeous blossoms. .
If I were a fisherman, I'm told the worms have another use, for which they are prized!
Salt Lake City, UT (Zone 7b) | May 2013 | positive
This is a Utah native tree and grows fantastically here in Salt Lake City (zone 7b). I think this is probably the most beautiful native t...Read Moreree we have in the state besides the Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia). It’s relatively common all around utah and is EXTREMELY common in southern Utah, you basically can’t drive down one street without atleast seeing one. They are very drought tolerant and have the most beautiful, super fragrant purple and white flowers that look almost tropical. They are NOT related to actual willows and are just given that name because of the similar foliage. Overall a wonderful tree for the southwest U.S. and my favorite deciduous tree of all time.
Love this tree. It has grown 2 ft. per year and is now a multibranched 6 foot tree and growing. It looks lovely in the breeze and flowe...Read Morers from early May until I don't know when. Looks great with ornamental grasses in front.
This cultivar does not set seed so it has a much longer flowering period. Water regularly the first season till it has grown its deep ro...Read Moreots then watering can be reduced. Hummingbirds are attracted to this plant. This bloom is bicolored.
I have six Chileopsis trees (Monhews and Dam Pink) of various ages. They are in north Georgia's clay soil, rarely to occasionally watere...Read More
This is a Utah native tree and grows fantastically here in Salt Lake City (zone 7b). I think this is probably the most beautiful native t...Read More
Love this tree. It has grown 2 ft. per year and is now a multibranched 6 foot tree and growing. It looks lovely in the breeze and flowe...Read More
This cultivar does not set seed so it has a much longer flowering period. Water regularly the first season till it has grown its deep ro...Read More