Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Desert Honeysuckle)

Adding vibrant color to the landscape, Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Desert Honeysuckle) is an upright, deciduous shrub with slender stems adorned with exfoliating bark and clothed with small, light-green, lanceolate leaves. Blooming from early summer to fall, nectar-filled brilliant red-orange tubular flowers, 2 in. long (5 cm), resembling those of honeysuckle, appear in abundance. As with many other xeric plants, rain triggers a flush of blooms, covering the plant in fiery orange. These desert flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This heat-loving, drought and cold tolerant shrub will survive with little water, but for best flower production, water deeply every 2-3 weeks in summer. A showy shrub with ornamental blooms for perennial gardens. Takes well to shearing and can make a dense, low hedge.

• Grows upright with a bushy habit to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
• Easily grown in average, medium to dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Will grow in poor soils, rocky soils and heavy, clay soils. Drought tolerant.
• Great for beds and borders, hedges, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or rock gardens.
• Virtually disease and pest free. Deer resistant, Desert Honeysuckle attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Pruning is not required, but can be cut back by one-half to two-thirds before new spring growth to promote compact shape and prolific blooms.
• The easiest method of propagation is to take cuttings from the current season’s growth.
• Native to Texas, Mexico.