If you’re looking to add a hummingbird magnet and natural beauty to your Arizona garden, consider growing chuparosa. Let’s explore everything you need to know about growing chuparosa, from when and how to plant it to how to care for it and the benefits it offers to your garden.
Chuparosa, or Justicia californica, is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that thrives in the arid landscapes of the Southwest. It loves the Arizona sun. The name, “chuparosa,” is Spanish for “hummingbird,” a fitting title given the plant’s appeal to these delightful birds.
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Chuparosa blooms with brilliant red, tubular flowers, though you may also find varieties with orange or yellow blooms. These flowers not only brighten your garden but also provide a vital nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
When to Plant Chuparosa
In Arizona gardening, the ideal time to plant this native beauty is in the cooler months of fall or early spring. These seasons allow the plant to establish its roots before the intense summer heat sets in.
Plant September through November or late February through early April.
Where to Plant Chuparosa
Chuparosa is well-suited to USDA gardening zones 8 through 11, making it a perfect fit for many Arizona gardens. If you’re gardening in the low desert, like zones 9a and 9b, chuparosa will feel right at home. This plant is built to withstand the intense sun and low rainfall that characterize these regions.
For those of you gardening in slightly cooler areas, don’t worry—chuparosa is frost-tolerant to an extent and can handle light freezes. Use a frost cloth during particularly cold nights.
Think about your own garden’s location and microclimate. Is it sun-drenched all day, or do you have areas that offer a bit of shade? Chuparosa can adapt to a variety of conditions, but it will thrive best with plenty of sunlight.
How to Plant
Select a location in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Chuparosa thrives in well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your chuparosa plant. This gives the roots room to spread and ensures the plant sits at the same depth as it was in its container.
Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently press down. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root growth.
How to Care For
One of the many benefits of this plant is it’s low-maintenance nature. Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a fantastic option for busy gardeners or those new to Arizona gardening.
In a year our chuparosa has spread out about 4 feet and grown 2 feet in height.
It is drought-tolerant, but it will appreciate some extra water during its first growing season to help establish its roots. After that, it can thrive on rainfall alone, with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
To keep your chuparosa looking its best, consider light pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps maintain its shape and encourages more prolific blooming.
Benefits of Chuparosa
Chuparosa is a magnet for pollinators and is especially attractive to hummingbirds. It only took a couple hours for the hummingbirds to find this plant in our yard.
Once established, it requires little care, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. It is drought-tolerant and once established thrives on minimal water. Chuparosa’s dense growth and deep roots can help prevent soil erosion. If you have a sloped yard or areas with loose soil particularly on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
This carefree plant blooms spring and winter. Its evergreen foliage provides visual interest even when it’s not in bloom.
If you’re looking for a native easy to care for plant that attracts nectar-feeding birds such as hummingbirds, Chuparosa is a perfect addition for your Phoenix garden.