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Ocotillo, Candlewood
Fouquieria splendens
Drought deciduous succulent, slowly growing to 10 feet or more tall, very spiny stems, small green oval leaves appear after rainfall then fall off during drought. Bright orange-red flowers are borne from the tips of the canes in late spring attracting humming birds. Although available in nurseries as bare root, purchasing a potted specimen with some vegetation is a safer bet. Always insist on freshly collected plants with legal tags and permits. Newly planted Ocotillo should be frequently watered by lightly spraying its canes from top to bottom during the hot summer months. Be sure to provide good drainage. Don't get discouraged, these plants can look dead for many months before sprouting leaves. Adds good vertical structure to the landscape, a true symbol of the southwest.
- Plant type: Native, Succulent
- Maintenance level: Low
- Water requirement: Low
- Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun, Morning Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
- Height range: 10–12 Feet
- Width range: 4–8 Feet
- Canopy value: 28 ft²
- Growth rate: Slow
- Seasonal habit: Semi-Deciduous
- Flower color: Red, Orange
- Flower season: Spring, Summer
- General foliage color: Green, Brown
- Design style: Hummingbird, Thorns/Spines
- Hardiness cold tolerance: 0 °F
- Soil preference: Sand, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
- Native location: Southwestern United States, Mexico, below 5,000 feet.
- PH preference: Alkaline/Basic, Neutral
- Sunset zones: 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
- USDA hardiness zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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