Chilopsis linearis Burgundy

Chilopsis linearis 'Burgundy' is a variety of Chilopsis linearis, also known as desert willow, highly appreciated for its abundant flowering in purple that spreads from May to September, or even October in the hottest regions. Very abundant between May and June, this flowering will be more sparse afterwards, but still present. Its campanulate flowers, trumpet-shaped, resemble those of the trumpet vine and bloom in the middle of deciduous foliage, dark green and delicate like that of the willow. Particularly attractive to pollinators and delicately scented, the flowers of the desert willow attract many pollinators, especially the carpenter bee, recognizable by its black colour.

The second advantage of this Chilopsis linearis is its great resistance to summer drought, making it an ideal shrub for Mediterranean gardens or those affected by climate change. Its low maintenance (except for some watering in the first two years) and its need for poor, rocky, and well-drained soil make it an easy ornamental tree to install on a slope, as a hedge or border, or in a pot on a terrace.

Native to arid areas of the southwestern United States and Mexico, Chilopsis linearis 'Burgundy' grows in dry riverbeds and ravines. Called the desert willow, it is not actually a willow, but belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, like the trumpet vine and Catalpa. However, its slightly trailing habit and especially its foliage resemble the willow. As for its bean-shaped fruits, they are characteristic of the Catalpa. As a xerophyte plant, Chilopsis linearis particularly appreciates very poor, dry, sandy, and rocky soils, but very well-drained. Humidity and excess water would be fatal to it. However, it is rather hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C. It also tolerates limestone and salty soils and is not afraid of salt spray. Due to its desert origins and its adapted root system, Chilopsis linearis draws nutrients from deep in the soil. That is why it is not recommended to plant it near pipes or along a facade. The desert willow also needs a sunny exposure.

Chilopsis linearis 'Burgundy' can reach a height of 4 to 5 metres (13 feet 1 inches to 16 feet 5 inches) and a similar spread if left unpruned. It is multi-stemmed with relatively low branching. It can therefore become a small tree with an irregular habit. It grows slowly in the years following its planting, but faster afterwards. As for the resumption of vegetation, it is relatively late. Due to its great resistance to drought, Chilopsis linearis 'Burgundy' is ideal in the Mediterranean regions. But its hardiness also allows it to grow elsewhere. And if the above-ground parts of the desert willow are damaged by frost, it will sprout again in spring without difficulty. Its preference for heat allows it to grow in sunny slopes, dry beds, or rockeries. It will have a beautiful effect alongside the red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora), Dasylirions, Cordylines, or Agaves. It can also be planted as a standalone tree to shade a terrace, in the company of a mastic tree (Pistacia lenticus), a Ceanothus, or a Leptospermum, or in a windbreak hedge. It can also be grown in a pot.

In regions with cold winter climates, Chilopsis linearis 'Burgundy' is planted between March and May, and in regions with hot and dry summers, it is planted from September to November. The soil must be very well-drained, especially in winter, deep but poor in organic matter. A south-southwest exposure suits it perfectly, allowing it to benefit from the sun's rays. In the two years following planting, watering should be regular, once a week. The same applies if the desert willow is grown in a pot. Once it is well rooted, watering is unnecessary. To give it a nice shape and remove dead branches, Chilopsis linearis can be pruned. This pruning should be done at the end of winter, between February and March, just before the resumption of vegetation. It will also promote a beautiful flowering.