Ocotillo
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Fouquieria splendens
Ocotillo Photo Description: The Ocotillo is a mainstay of Arizona desert landscaping. It is made of many spiny unbranched stems with bright orange-red flowers. The Ocotillo plant is unrivaled for its graceful form and makes a wonderful accent. It grows best in rocky, well-drained soil. Periods of low water will push it to bloom. The ocotillo has thorny spines, so plant it in low-traffic areas.

Maintenance: Plant occotillo in fall or spring in full sun. Recently planted ocotillos should be watered by spraying the canes. Stems can look dead for several months before sprouting leaves. Stem tip cuttings can be made during warm months. Prune only dead or damaged stems. Too much water will surely kill this plant. Good drainage is important. This is a low-maintenance plant that grows to 20 feet tall.