Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The dark purple, tubular flowers of the El Niño Desert Orchid open to reveal white stippling and prominent stamens. Flowers initially bloom in late spring or early summer and continue sporadically throughout the growing season. The El Niño Desert Orchid is not an orchid but a hybrid of other plants native to North America. Also known as Chitalpa, this plant features broad leaves that come to a narrow point. New foliage has a bronzy hue before settling into a medium green.
El Niño Desert Orchid has a full, upright growth habit and develops a shrub-like form. Feature this plant in beds or borders, but ensure it has plenty of space because the El Niño Desert Orchid can grow rather large. Plant this perennial near a walkway or patio space to enjoy the sweetly scented flowers. Bees also enjoy the blooms of this pollinator-friendly perennial. Grow this deciduous plant as a perennial in USDA zones 6 through 9.
El Niño Desert Orchid Care
This plant is well suited to poor-quality soil and dry heat, making it a stellar addition to areas with hot summers. The soil should be well drained, as standing water can damage the roots. Plant the El Niño Desert Orchid in full to partial sun. Plants that receive limited sunlight may become leggy, so select a sunny spot. Give newly planted El Niño Desert Orchids consistent water for the first growing season. Established plants are drought tolerant.
This beauty is not a heavy feeder and does very well without fertilizer; however, expect better results when the plant receives some nutrition. Top-dress the soil around the plant with organic mulch or apply a single application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Remove dead growth at any time and prune to shape as needed in early spring when new growth emerges.
El Niño Desert Orchid Spacing
Create a lovely flowering hedge during the summer or feature the El Niño Desert Orchid as a focal point in a bed. Mature plants can stand 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Space plants 3 to 4 feet from other plants and 5 feet from buildings.
El Niño Desert Orchid Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 6 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 1-2 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 1-2 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Purple
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer to Late Summer
- Blooms On
-
Both New and Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Lightly, right after the first flush of flowers
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- El Niño Desert Orchid
- Also Known As
- EL NIÑO Desert Orchid
- Botanical Name
- Chitalpa 'NCXC1' PPAF
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!