The Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis, is a deciduous small tree that provides color and shade in arid environments where many other trees struggle. It is highly valued for its exceptional drought tolerance and its long blooming season, which often spans from late spring through fall. The trumpet-shaped flowers resemble those of an orchid and carry a pleasant fragrance, making the Desert Willow a favored choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. This native of the American Southwest and Mexico is not a true willow but is a member of the Bignoniaceae family, adapting well to full sun and well-drained soils.
Finding Local and Online Retailers
Local nurseries in the southwestern and western United States often stock plants that are already acclimated to the regional climate and soil conditions. Purchasing locally allows you to visually inspect the tree for signs of health, such as vibrant foliage and a sturdy trunk, before committing to the purchase. Specialized arid-zone nurseries are more likely to carry a curated selection of proven cultivars that thrive in extreme heat and low-water conditions.
Large retail home improvement stores offer convenience and may have lower initial prices. However, these retailers typically offer only the standard species or a few common varieties, and the staff may not possess specialized knowledge on Desert Willow care or cultivar differences. For those seeking rare or specific varieties, or if a local source is unavailable, online specialty nurseries are often the best route.
Online plant retailers provide access to a significantly broader catalog of Chilopsis linearis cultivars, including those developed by specific plant breeders. When ordering online, you must factor in shipping costs, which can be substantial for larger container sizes. It is prudent to research the nursery’s shipping methods and guarantees, as the physical stress of transport can temporarily shock a young tree. Nurseries specializing in native plants or desert landscaping are best equipped to grow and ship appropriate stock.
Selecting the Ideal Desert Willow Cultivar
Desert Willows are available in various cultivated varieties, or cultivars, which offer distinct advantages over the standard species. The most significant factor to consider when selecting a cultivar is whether it is a standard, seed-producing variety or one of the newer sterile selections. Standard varieties produce messy, bean-like seed pods that often hang on the branches through the winter.
Sterile cultivars are bred to produce flowers without setting viable seeds, eliminating the pods. Popular seedless varieties include ‘Art’s Seedless’ and ‘Bubba’, which are favored for their cleaner growth habit and prolonged blooming period. Since the tree does not expend energy on seed production, these sterile forms often bloom more heavily and continuously throughout the warm season.
Cultivars also offer a spectrum of flower colors and growth habits. Flower colors range from pure white, such as ‘White Storm’, to various shades of pink, lavender, and deep burgundy. Cultivars like ‘Lucretia Hamilton’ are more compact, making them suitable for smaller garden spaces or large containers. Others are selected for a more upright, tree-like form rather than the natural, sprawling shrub-like habit of the species.
Evaluating Bare Root Versus Container Trees
Desert Willows are typically sold in one of two formats: as container-grown plants or as bare-root stock, each presenting different benefits and drawbacks for the buyer. Container trees are the most common format found in garden centers and can be planted almost any time of year. Since the root system remains intact, container trees experience minimal transplant shock and provide immediate visual impact in the landscape.
However, container trees are often more expensive due to the increased cost of potting medium and transport weight. Before purchase, inspect the roots for root circling, a condition where roots grow around the perimeter of the container. These circling roots must be manually straightened or pruned before planting to ensure they spread outward into the native soil.
Bare-root Desert Willows are field-grown, dug up while dormant, and sold with the soil washed away. This format is less expensive and easier to transport due to reduced weight. Bare-root stock is only available seasonally, typically in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to leaf out. While this format requires immediate planting upon arrival, bare-root trees often develop a superior, more natural root structure in the long term, leading to better establishment and resilience.