Desert Orchid - Chitalpa

The Chitalpa is a very special North American native hybrid that is a cross between the Desert Willow and Southern Catalpa. Typically a large deciduous tree, innovative breeding has created a more compact and disease resistant variety that is now a medium size shrub or miniature tree.
This unique specimen has orchid or snapdragon-like fragrant blooms that appear in late spring to early summer and will enhance any garden space. Once established the Chitalpa is drought tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil in full to part sun. Its hardiness range is zones 6-9 and at the colder ends of the zone, the Chitalpa may die back to the ground. New growth will emerge in the spring and at that point, any dead wood can be removed.