Garden Oracle / Drought and Heat Tolerant Gardening / Tucson - Phoenix - Arizona - California

Growing Anisacanthus thurberi:
Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle

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Description
Form: Shrub.
Leaf retention: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 6' high and wide.
Flowers: Yellow to orange to red, tubular, 2" long, four backward curling lobes.
Bloom: Spring and fall, with most blossoms in spring. Blooms are often triggered by rain.
Fruit: Capsules with four seeds.
Leaves: Green, lance-shaped.
Stems: No thorns. New stems grow erect and tend to sprawl as they age.
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds. Browsed by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8b-11.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun for the most blooms, part shade is tolerated.
Water once established: Once or twice a month.
Soil: Well drained, dry, sandy, low organic content, pH 6.5-8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline).
Prune: In late winter, remove old stems to promote new growth. Every few years, prune severely in late winter to rejuvenate.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed.
Uses: Ornamental, hummingbird garden.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Acanthus family (Acanthaceae) and is related to Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii: Flame Honeysuckle.



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Anisacanthus thurberi: Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle - flower

Anisacanthus thurberi: Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle - with hummingbird

Anisacanthus thurberi: Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle

Latest update: February, 2019
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