1. * Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa
(fah-LEW-gee-uh par-uh-DOX-uh)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Sonoran Desert mountains and foothills from eastern S. California to western TX and
south to N. Mexico; on dry, rocky slopes, open Pinyon-Juniper woodlands and dry washes from 3000
to 8000 ft.
woody shrub
mature height: 4-8 ft.
mature width: 5-10 ft.
Large, semi-evergreen, many-branched woody shrub. Shape and size depend on available water –
generally mounded shape with older branches more upright. Bark shreddy, light colored. Leaves
deeply lobed, dark green on top, more white below. Foliage appears lacy, open. Spreads slowly via
rhizomes, particularly with plenty of water.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring-summer – April to June/July. Flowers look like small (2 inch)
white rose blossoms – pretty like a wild rose. Seeds have a pink, feathery ‘plume’ that aids in seed
dispersal. Plants in seed are extremely showy – you’ll get lots of comments from this species!
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Often used as a shrub in dry gardens or desert-themed gardens. Makes a
lovely, lacy hedge or screen. Excellent for erosion control on dry slopes. Fine in areas with hot,
reflected heat (along roads, driveways, etc.). Excellent choice for habitat gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Excellent all-round habitat plant: flowers attract butterflies and native bees and plant
provides cover, nesting material and seeds for birds. Deer will browse,
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade. Can take hot, reflected heat.
Most local soils (don’t over-water clays); local pH including mildly alkali.
Best with occasional water – Water Zone 1-2 to 2
None needed.
Inorganic mulch (gravel/rock) if any.
Easy to grow but does require pruning (like a rose). Prune back old stems to
almost the ground in late fall/winter. Shorten younger branches by about 1/3 to shape.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy
by cuttings: dig up offsets in late winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 24, 28, 38
7/30/12
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