I've planted a Desert Willow that I bought from a nursery...

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
2QandLearn Menifee, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 18, 2012

I chose it in part for its shape, its flowers & the fact that they attract hummingbirds, and, the fact that birds like its seeds... So,

I am wanting to know how close another Desert Willow needs to be for it to become pollinated (as these trees are not self-pollinating)?

I also more recently read that there are cultivars which are seedless, and am now wondering if one of those might be what I have planted...?

It didn't have any cultivar name on it when purchased, though, just "Desert Willow" &/or "Chilopsis linearis" (I forget which).

Chilopsis linearis (Burgundy Desert Willow):
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Desert-Willow_vq954.htm
http://www.desertusa.com/magjan98/jan_pap/du_dwillow.html
http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/0104/willow.html

Thumbnail by 2QandLearn
Post #9169580
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 18, 2012

If it was just labeled as desert willow or the Latin name there's a good chance it's just the straight species.

As far as distance between trees, I believe they're primarily pollinated by bees so your other plant wouldn't necessarily have to be super close, although the closer it is the more the odds are improved that the same bee would visit both trees so if you want to guarantee you get seeds I'd plant them near each other.

Post #9169903
Quote
growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Jun 18, 2012

The 'Burgundy' cultivar seems to get seeds as well. Noticed this site: http://www.mortellaros.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantdetail&plant_id=6 which comments on the seed pods.
PF: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/79000/

Post #9170061
Quote
2QandLearn Menifee, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 06, 2012

I *certainly hope* that it *will* bear seeds!

This site says that it is "possibly self-sterile" and calls it "Burgandy Lace" :
http://aces.nmsu.edu/county/donaana/mastergardener/documents/mar-2012-magazine-copy.pdf

And the nearest trees I know of are 3 blocks over, and, judging by their flower color, they may be the same cultivar!

So, I may have to get another Chilopsis that has *different-colored* flowers to *hopefully* ensure pollination. /:

We don't have a lot of room for trees, though, due to our leach line running nearly the length of our heavy-clay-soiled lot... and this tree needing good drainage...

Post #9194928
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 06, 2012

From your picture above, I don't believe yours is 'Burgundy Lace', it has two-tone flowers and yours appear to be one color?

Post #9195143
Quote
2QandLearn Menifee, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 06, 2012

That last site also says about 'Burgandy Lace' . . .

"Two-toned white and pink to magenta flowers; (See photo on Page 4)

Post #9195838
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 06, 2012

Yes...I didn't see the white on yours. Maybe it's just the angle of the photo though, since you have the actual plant I'll take your word for it if you tell me your flowers are two-toned :)

Post #9195878
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP