Chuparosa
Justicia californica
A large Sonoran Desert native shrub with fragrant orange-red flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in winter and spring.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a low-desert native tolerant of extreme heat and light frost, with top dieback possible only in the hardest freezes.
AMWUA Notes
A low-water Sonoran native and premier early-season hummingbird plant; blooms on green stems even when drought-deciduous.
Care Guide
Low water; a deep soak every 2 weeks in summer is ample and it tolerates real drought, when it drops leaves and blooms on bare green stems.
Head back in late spring after the main bloom to renew density and control its sprawling, mounding form; avoid shearing, which spoils the natural fountain shape.
No fertilizer needed in native soil.
Pest-free.
Drought-deciduous, its green photosynthetic stems carry orange-red tubular flowers mainly winter through spring, a critical early hummingbird nectar source.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Rocky, sandy, sharply drained desert soils; thrives in caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
From seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
6-8 ft
Non-aggressive roots; safe spilling over walls and near pools.
Placement Tips
- •A large mounding shrub to 10 ft wide; give it room and space 6-8 ft apart, letting it spill naturally.
- •Beautiful cascading over boulders or a low wall in a native or hummingbird garden.
- •Low litter and thornless habit make it pool-friendly where there is space.
- •Plant in full sun for the heaviest winter-spring bloom.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Chuparosa? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Chuparosa. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Chuparosa — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Chuparosa need in Phoenix?
Chuparosa is a low-water shrub once established. Low water; a deep soak every 2 weeks in summer is ample and it tolerates real drought, when it drops leaves and blooms on bare green stems. A low-water Sonoran native and premier early-season hummingbird plant; blooms on green stems even when drought-deciduous.
How big does Chuparosa get?
Expect roughly 10 ft tall and 8 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 6-8 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive roots; safe spilling over walls and near pools.
Can you plant Chuparosa near a pool?
Yes. Chuparosa is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Chuparosa handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Chuparosa is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; a low-desert native tolerant of extreme heat and light frost, with top dieback possible only in the hardest freezes. Drought-deciduous, its green photosynthetic stems carry orange-red tubular flowers mainly winter through spring, a critical early hummingbird nectar source.
Does Chuparosa have thorns?
No. Chuparosa is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Chuparosa safe around pets?
Chuparosa is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Chuparosa bloom in Arizona?
Chuparosa blooms in winter-spring, with orange-red flowers. The flowers are fragrant. The bloom draws bees, butterflies, hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Chuparosa need?
Chuparosa is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Head back in late spring after the main bloom to renew density and control its sprawling, mounding form; avoid shearing, which spoils the natural fountain shape.
What kind of soil does Chuparosa need?
Rocky, sandy, sharply drained desert soils; thrives in caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5. It needs no supplemental feeding. No fertilizer needed in native soil.
Is Chuparosa native to Arizona?
Yes. Chuparosa is native to Arizona and to the Sonoran Desert, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.