(Desert Orchid) Enjoy the large orchid-looking blooms of Chitalpa Chitalpa EL NIÑO, Desert Orchid. Standing 5-8 feet tall and spreading to 6 feet wide, Chitalpa EL NIÑO forms an upright mounded shrub. Mid Summer, beautiful lavender purple orchid-looking blooms emerge starting at the base of the flower cluster and continuing to open creating a full, long blooming flower. Hardy in zones 6-9, EL NIÑO Desert Rose likes to be grown in full sun to part sun locations. In the cooler zones(6), you may find that this shrub dies back to the base. Trimming is rarely needed, but if desired we recommend trimming in the spring. This easy-to-grow North American native shrub, can tolerate poor soil conditions once established and is drought tolerant. The large fragrant flowers are a welcome addition to the landscape. This unique and compact form of Desert Orchid is deer resistant. Chitalpa EL NIÑO is a PROVEN WINNERS® COLORCHOICE® Shrub.