By Associate Editor Sarah Burton unless otherwise noted
Featured Plant
Desert willow:Chilopsis linearis
By Scott Millard
If you are looking for a native tree that provides summer shade but drops its leaves (deciduous) to allow the warm winter sun to shine on through, consider desert willow, Chilopsis linearis. Desert willow is a graceful tree growing up to 18 feet high, sometimes more with regular irrigation. The light-green, willowy leaves provide a splendid backdrop to the clusters of large, orchidlike flowers that bloom from spring through summer and into fall. After leaf drop in winter, the long slender seedpods remain on the attractive gray branches. Desert willows are common in Tucson—look for them in bloom along River Road on the northwest side of town.
Many selections of this lovely tree are now available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, including bright pinks, reds, and purples. ‘Lucretia Hamilton’ has showy, dark purple flowers. Also look for ‘Burgundy’ and ‘Rio Salado’ to brighten the landscape. Avoid pruning with a heavy hand, but if you must prune, do so during its deciduous period— January into February. Prune to control growth, create new flowering wood, and to display the handsome, smooth gray trunks. Desert willow requires low to moderate water. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
Chitalpa, Chitalpa x tashkentensis, is a similar tree crossing two genera, Chilopsis linearis and Catalpa bignonioides. Chitalpa is more evergreen and has larger, more vivid, white or pink flower clusters. It matures at 20 to 30 feet high and as wide, and is typically more substantial than desert willow. Availability at nurseries may be limited, but it’s worth the search.
Scott Millard is publisher of Ironwood Press, a Tucson company specializing in producing gardening books and materials for the arid West.
SUNNY SPOT
Beyond borders
Here’s a bright idea: As an alternative to run-ofthe- mill pavers or standard brick borders, try using premade sheets of pebbles that can be set like tile for garden or planter borders. The squares come with the stones set on mesh backing, so they’re easy to cut to fit corners or odd angles. Grout or concrete fills in between the pebbles for a mosaic effect that looks more difficult and time-consuming than it actually is. Find Island Stone flooring at Craftsman Court Ceramics (2301 E. Speedway Blvd., 319-1777) and Fractured Earth (to the trade only, 3150 N. Estrella Ave., 620-6219) or order it online at www.islandstone.com.
HERB DU JOUR
LEMON VERBENA
With a strong but sweet lemony scent, this South American-originating herb— lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla)—offers a refreshing and clean scent, sure to bring summer to mind. Historically used in perfumes and scented oils, lemon verbena was famously referred to as a favored scent in Gone with the Wind, and even today continues to make an appearance in massage oils, potpourri, and soaps. This aromatic plant grows best in our arid region in a container, with full sun and moist (not soggy) soil. White blooms will appear during summer, signalling a good time for a few cuttings for propagation.
GREEN READ
Of agaves & ice plants
A beautiful garden does not necessarily mean leafy green trees and delicate-petaled flowers. As longtime desert dwellers know—succulents are a superb way to add intrigue, unique shapes, and color to an arid landscape. From starting your own garden to plant compatibility and propagation, Gwen Moore Kelaidis’ book Hardy Succulents serves as a guide to anyone looking for dramatic options for their garden and landscape. Hardy Succulents, by Gwen Moore Kelaidis, published by Storey Publishing. Available at local bookstores or online at www.storey.com. $19.95
GET WITH THE PROGRAM
Tucson Area Iris Society
With hundreds of varieties of irises, these popular perennials can be daunting to grow. Luckily for those new to the world of irises—as well as longtime fans—the nonprofit Tucson Area Iris Society invites new members to join their group. Affiliated with the American Iris Society, this local chapter gets together six times a year. Meetings are free to the public with a fee of $10 a year ($5 for youth)for anyone looking to become a member. The society hosts two plant sales in the fall and a flower show during the spring. You can also visit their permanent iris beds at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. For information about upcoming meetings visit www.tucsoniris.org or call 531-1030.
GARDENSPEAK
Crocking: Any material used in the bottom of a container to provide drainage, such as shells, rocks, broken pottery, or Styrofoam.