- Partial Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 5 - 8 Feet
- Mature Spread 5 - 8 Feet
- Growing Zones 6 - 9
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 Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 5 - 8 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 4 - 6 Feet |
| Spacing: 4 - 6 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Purple |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: Summer |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Proven Winners |
| Common Name: El Niño Desert Orchid |
| Other Name(s): EL NIÑO Desert Orchid |
| Scientific Name: Chitalpa 'NCXC1' PPAF |
- SKU:
- CHIEN
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations