Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
An unmistakable desert icon whose thorny canes erupt with fiery red-orange blooms that hummingbirds cannot resist.
Cold hardy to around 10°F, USDA 9-11; native across Chihuahuan, Mojave and Sonoran desert.
AMWUA Notes
Native and extremely drought tolerant; drops its leaves to conserve water and needs no irrigation once established.
Care Guide
Established plants need no irrigation; water a new transplant every 1-2 weeks the first spring to trigger leaf-out, then wean off. Overwatering rots the roots.
Remove only dead canes at the base; never shear—the natural fan of canes is the form.
Not necessary.
Virtually pest-free once established.
Drought-deciduous, leafing out after rain and dropping leaves in dry spells; fully frost hardy with brilliant red-orange spring flowers for hummingbirds.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Sharp-draining rocky or decomposed-granite desert soil; lean
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Bare-root canes (keep original orientation) or seed
8-10 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; thorny canes make a good barrier away from walkways and pools
Placement Tips
- •Use as a living fence, barrier or sculptural specimen.
- •The thorny canes make a good security planting away from walkways and pools.
- •Plant bare-root canes keeping their original orientation.
- •Sharp drainage is essential.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Ocotillo. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Ocotillo — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Ocotillo need in Phoenix?
Ocotillo is a very low-water accent plant once established. Established plants need no irrigation; water a new transplant every 1-2 weeks the first spring to trigger leaf-out, then wean off. Overwatering rots the roots. Native and extremely drought tolerant; drops its leaves to conserve water and needs no irrigation once established.
How big does Ocotillo get?
Expect roughly 12 ft tall and 10 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 8-10 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; thorny canes make a good barrier away from walkways and pools.
Can you plant Ocotillo near a pool?
Not ideally. Ocotillo is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Ocotillo handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Ocotillo is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Cold hardy to around 10°F, USDA 9-11; native across Chihuahuan, Mojave and Sonoran desert. Drought-deciduous, leafing out after rain and dropping leaves in dry spells; fully frost hardy with brilliant red-orange spring flowers for hummingbirds.
Does Ocotillo have thorns?
Yes — Ocotillo has medium thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Ocotillo safe around pets?
Ocotillo 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 Ocotillo bloom in Arizona?
Ocotillo blooms in spring, with red-orange flowers. The bloom draws carpenter bees, hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Ocotillo need?
Ocotillo is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove only dead canes at the base; never shear—the natural fan of canes is the form.
What kind of soil does Ocotillo need?
Sharp-draining rocky or decomposed-granite desert soil; lean. It needs no supplemental feeding. Not necessary.
Is Ocotillo native to Arizona?
Yes. Ocotillo is native to Arizona and to the Chihuahuan, Mohave, and Sonoran Deserts, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.