Bubba Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
240 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Southwestern United States, Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Chilopsis linearis, or Desert Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, known for its willow-like leaves and showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. 'Bubba' is a vigorous, fast-growing selection with a more upright, tree-like form, larger dark green leaves, and bigger, darker burgundy flowers. It is also nearly sterile, producing very few messy seed pods.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with at least 6 hours of direct sun
- Ensure the soil is extremely well-drained
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level
- Backfill with native soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets
- Water deeply after planting, then only when soil is very dry
Pro Tip
Avoid amending soil or adding fertilizer; this tough native plant thrives in lean, unimproved soil.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best flowering.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Prune in late winter to shape and encourage strong structure.
- Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soil.
- Avoid regular irrigation, which can lead to root rot.
- Do not fertilize; it prefers lean conditions.
- Avoid planting in a shaded location.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bubba Desert Willow questions
What zones can Bubba Desert Willow grow in?
Bubba Desert Willow is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bubba Desert Willow deer resistant?
Yes — Bubba Desert Willow is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bubba Desert Willow bloom?
Bubba Desert Willow typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bubba Desert Willow need full sun?
Bubba Desert Willow does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Bubba Desert Willow drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bubba Desert Willow handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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