Q: We live in Tucson and I have a question about an ocotillo we have had for about 10 years. It is watered with drip irrigation, and compared to other ocotillos in our neighborhood, leafs out when they do. It has grown well, is probably 15 feet tall with multiple arms. I have never pruned it; I have just left it alone. One thing that has puzzled me — it has never bloomed. There is one other in our neighborhood that hasn't bloomed, but all the others, including ones that are significantly smaller, bloom every spring. From what I have read online, ocotillos should do well with low maintenance, and ours has seemed healthy in every other way except for blooming. Any hope in that department?
A: I agree that ocotillos do well with little or no maintenance. The first cool rain in the spring of 10mm or more triggers flowering in ocotillos according to Bowers and Dimmitt (1994). Another factor that affects flowering is temperature. The temperature shouldn't be a problem in Tucson so maybe your ocotillo isn't getting enough water. You could provide supplemental water but not too much because that would be bad for the plant. Desert plants like the ocotillo can get by with watering every two weeks in the summer and every three weeks in the spring and fall. No irrigation is required in the winter. Flowering generally occurs between March and May although some bloom in the fall.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
