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

Growing Dalea pulchra:
Indigo Bush

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Description
Form: Shrub.
Leaf retention: Evergreen but drought deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate to rapid.
Mature Size: 5' (1.5m) high and wide.
Flowers: Purple and white, small, pea flower shaped, clustered in fuzzy heads at branch tips.
Bloom: Mid fall, winter, and spring.
Fruit: Seed in fuzzy flower heads.
Leaves: Silver-green, covered in velvety hair, small.
Stems: No thorns.
Roots: Nitrogen-fixing*.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun. Part shade reduces blooming.
Soil: Very well draining, dry, pH 6.1-8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline). *Do not use a nitrogen fertilizer.
Water once established: Once or twice a month. Excess water reduces lifespan. This plant is subject to root rot in poorly draining soil or when over-watered.
Prune: In summer after flowering, prune to shape.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed.
Uses: Ornamental.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Legume family (Fabaceae). Another common name is Santa Catalina Prairie Clover.



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Dalea pulchra: Indigo Bush - flowers

Dalea pulchra: Indigo Bush - with bee

Dalea pulchra: Indigo Bush

Latest update: January, 2022
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