This small but mighty tree or shrub with orchid-like flowers in the spring thrives in heat and southern exposures.
It is a fairly rare tree or shrub that is sold by specialty nurseries.
A south-facing location is ideal.
Credit:Denny Schrock
The soil should be well-drained and slightly alkaline.
The tree is usually planted as a specimen.
Shrub forms of anacacho orchid are equally beautiful and bring the fragrant flowers to eye level.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Pair it with other low-water plants for an easy-care and water-smart landscape.
Some colorful perennial companions for anacacho orchid includeyarrow,blanket flower,black-eyed Susan, andpenstemon.
Count on these perennials to begin blooming shortly after anacacho orchid blooms fade in late spring.
Credit:Edmund Barr
These summer-blooming perennials unfurl new blooms through summer when their spent blooms are removed.
Dig the hole twice as wide as the rootball and no deeper than its height.
Place the tree in the hole and backfill with original soil.
Credit: Lee Anne White
Tamp down the soil and water thoroughly and deeply.
Leave at least a 10-foot space between the tree and other plantings.
In partial shade, the tree has a more open, airy growth habit.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Full sun is preferable because it will flower more robustly than when grown in partial shade.
Select a site with quick-draining soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8.5.
Anacacho orchid does not grow well in heavy clay.
Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to encourage strong root growth.
Regular irrigation in dry environments is beneficial and will keep the plant looking its best through extended dry periods.
A 2-inch-thick layer ofmulchover the root zone will also help conserve soil moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Anacacho orchid is prone to cold injury.
A freeze will often kill branches but will rarely kill the tree or shrub.
It does not have specific humidity requirements.
Fertilizer
Do not fertilize anacacho orchid.
Fertilizing causes quick and weak growth and negatively impacts the structure of the tree.
Pruning
In its native habitat, anacacho orchid tree has a dense, bushy growth habit.
With selective pruning, it can be sculpted into an upright tree with an open, airy habit.
It is best to limit the growth to five strong trunks and remove the rest.
The suckers should be removed as soon as possible.
Choose a container with large drainage holes before you plant the tree in well-draining potting mix.
Pests and Problems
Possible pests include mealybugs, whiteflies, leaf spot diseases, and anthracnose.
Collect the seeds in the early fall when the pods have turned brown and dry.
Keep them evenly moist.
Grow the seedlings indoors in a sunny window over the winter and plant them outdoors in the spring.
Zone 5-11
Yucca
Yuccaneeds a full-sun garden and can stand up to some serious drought.
The leaves come in a variety of colors, most often a silvery green.
