Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
Ocotillo is an iconic vertical desert plant with tall canes and bright red seasonal flowers. It brings strong Arizona character and works best as a statement plant with room around it.
Ricraider at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain — license
Protected Native Plant Note: This plant may require special review before removal, relocation, transport, or installation. AE will confirm requirements when protected native plants are involved.
Schedule: Very infrequent — often monthly or less once established. None when soil is cool and damp.
Emitters: Single low-flow emitter offset from base, or hand-watering only.
Overwatering is the #1 cause of cactus and agave loss. AE designs cactus zones on their own valve.
Arizona yards have very different microclimates. West-facing walls, glass, artificial turf, pavers, travertine, porcelain, and pool decking all increase reflected heat. AE considers these before confirming placement.
- Low root impact
AE verifies pool deck, paver, foundation, wall, and utility clearances before final planting.
Quick Facts
- Plant type
- Yucca
- Mature size
- Tall vertical canes; mature size varies (8–15 ft tall)
- Growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water use
- Very low
- Bloom season
- Seasonal red blooms, often spring
- Flower color
- Red / orange-red
- Foliage
- Green leaves after rainfall or irrigation; bare canes at times
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Semi-deciduous
- Thorns / spines
- Sharp
- Litter level
- Low
- Pool area
- Use with care
- Pet/kid placement
- Avoid near play areas
- Maintenance
- Low
- Privacy value
- Medium
- Shade value
- Low
- Native
- Sonoran native
About Ocotillo
Pure Sonoran character. Ocotillo may leaf out after rain and drop leaves in dry stretches — its bare-cane appearance is natural, not dead.
Best uses: Native Sonoran landscapes, entry features, boulder landscapes, large desert beds, vertical accents, front yard statements, architectural planting
AE Designer Opinion
Design Uses
- Native Sonoran landscapes
- Entry features
- Boulder landscapes
- Large desert beds
- Vertical accents
- Front yard statements
- Architectural planting
Care & Maintenance
- Mist canes during establishment
- Very low to low water once established
- Plant high — never bury the crown
- Minimal pruning; avoid unnecessary cutting
Common Homeowner Mistakes
- Assuming it's dead when dormant — it's not
- Burying the crown when planting
- Overwatering, which causes rot
Placement Warnings
- Sharp spines
- Seasonal bare appearance
- Needs space
- Avoid tight walkways and play areas
- Can look dead to homeowners when dormant or leafless — educate before planting
AE reviews final placement based on sun, irrigation, drainage, mature size, and overall design.
Pairs Well With
- Creosote
- Brittlebush
- Globe Mallow
- Golden Barrel Cactus
- Desert Spoon
- Blue Palo Verde
- Prickly Pear
More Arizona Plants Like This
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