Desert Willow?

pioneersnt

Does anyone have experience with desert willow (Chilopsis linearis)?

A local grower has one growing in his yard. I love the flowers and would like to try one for bonsai.

What I have learned so far, they like fast draining soil, like water but not wet feet. I don't know if the leaves reduce or how they take to having their roots messed with.

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gregb

I kept one as a shohin in cascade style for many years then it slowly lost vigor and faded away. It made flower buds one year but then aborted them. So I know the leaves can be kept small if kept in a small pot. I would recommend trying one, they are readily available in many nurseries in the southwest. They were a native species in Oracle, AZ when I lived there and I saw many nice ones that were tempting but I never was able to get one at the right time.

Lots of hybrids have been developed for different flower color. The native species have the palest flower color. I don't recall having any issues regarding roots but it doesn't hurt to be cautious.