When you grow with 'Bubba Jones Desert Willow, you transform your Southwest landscape into a vibrant, pollinator-friendly paradise. This striking flowering tree, known for its large, trumpet-shaped blooms, adds beauty and visual interest to any outdoor space. Whether in residential gardens or commercial landscapes, 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow makes a dramatic statement with its colorful flowers, which range from soft lavender to pink hues. While it doesn’t provide the shade of more traditional trees, its floriferous nature and fast growth make it a highly sought-after addition to many Southwestern designs.
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Why Grow with 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow?
The 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is one of the tallest trees in the Chilopsis linearis family, with a mature height reaching 25 feet. This makes it one of the tallest options in its family the Bubba Series (see comparison below), perfect for bringing vertical interest to a garden or landscape. However, it’s not just about height—this tree is known for its stunning flowers that bloom in profusion from spring through summer, covering the tree in large, trumpet-shaped blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The blooms range from soft lavender to pink, creating a striking visual contrast in the landscape. Its long bloom period and beautiful flowers make it an excellent choice for adding a burst of color to any garden design, whether residential or commercial. It's a perfect candidate for low-maintenance xeriscapes and desert gardens, thriving in hot, dry conditions with minimal water once established.
Although the 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow isn’t a shade tree in the traditional sense, it works wonderfully in gardens where visual interest and color are the primary goals. It’s best used as a specimen tree or in group plantings, where it can serve as the focal point. Its open, airy structure allows it to blend beautifully with other plants without overwhelming them.
How to Design with 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow
When designing a garden, placement is everything. 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow thrives in full sun, making it ideal for open spaces with a minimal tree canopy that can look shrub-like (see image above). To maximize its beauty, plant it where it will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day, ensuring its flowers bloom in full force. Consider placing this tree along garden pathways, near outdoor living areas like patios, or as part of an eye-catching focal point in the middle of a landscape design.
One of the most effective ways to use 'Bubba Jones' in a landscape is as an accent tree. Because of its elegant blooms and tall structure, it stands out as a feature tree that draws the eye and provides a striking contrast against the surrounding landscape. Whether planted on its own or in a group with other complementary plants, it brings a splash of color and interest to any space.
The ‘Bubba Jones’ Desert Willow pairs beautifully with a variety of Southwest-native plants. For instance, the Leucophyllum frutescens ‘San Antonio Rose’ provides a contrasting texture with its silvery leaves and magenta blooms. The two plants together create an enticing combination, one full of color and texture. Similarly, Leucophyllum langmaniae ‘Little Lynn’ offers soft, silvery foliage and purple flowers that provide a serene complement to the bold pink and lavender blooms of 'Bubba Jones.'
For a more tropical look, pair it with plants like the Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Stoplights’, which has red flowers that contrast dramatically against the lighter tones of the Desert Willow. The Hesperaloe funifera ‘Little Giant’ also makes a great companion with its dramatic, narrow leaves and vivid red blooms, adding another layer of contrast.
Watering and Care: Best Practices for Growing 'Bubba Jones'
'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow is a hardy tree that can withstand the harsh conditions of desert gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established, but proper care during the first few years is essential to ensure strong growth. Plant the shrub-like tree giving it plenty of room to grow. During the establishment period, regular watering is crucial. Deep watering ensures the tree’s roots are established properly, allowing it to thrive in drier conditions later on. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Once the tree is established, it requires minimal water. 'Bubba Jones' can handle long periods without supplemental irrigation, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes. It’s important to note that the tree prefers well-draining soil. Poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, which negatively affects the health of the tree.
For maintenance, regular pruning helps keep 'Bubba Jones' looking its best. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any growth that detracts from the tree’s open, airy shape. Pruning also encourages new growth and improves the overall structure of the tree. It’s best to prune during the tree's dormant period in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning throughout the year will also help maintain its form.
Companion Plants for 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow
Choosing the right companion plants to pair with 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow is essential for creating a harmonious, well-balanced landscape. For a more structured, layered design, consider combining the Desert Willow with lower-growing shrubs and groundcovers.
Calliandra californica ‘Mexicali Rose’ offers bright pink, fluffy flowers that work beautifully with the blooms of 'Bubba Jones'. The compact size of this plant makes it an excellent choice for planting around the base of the Desert Willow, creating a lush, full look.
Similarly, Sphaeralcea ambigua ‘Orange Crush’ is another low-growing companion plant that provides vivid orange flowers to contrast against the tree’s pink blooms. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils make it an ideal choice for pairing with the Desert Willow in desert landscapes.
For groundcover, Ericameria laricifolia ‘Butterbloom’ adds a delicate, yellowish bloom that pairs well with the pink tones of the Desert Willow. This plant’s soft texture and drought tolerance make it a perfect addition to the desert garden under the canopy of 'Bubba Jones'. The contrasting textures between the taller Desert Willow and the low-growing shrubs and groundcovers create an eye-catching design.
Planting Tips for 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow
The best time to plant 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow is during the cooler months of the year, ideally in late fall or early spring. This allows the tree to establish its roots before the heat of summer sets in. Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to ensure the tree thrives. If your soil is clay-heavy or not well-draining, consider amending it with organic matter or planting the tree in a raised bed to improve drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and place the tree in the center. Fill in around the roots with soil, making sure the tree is at the same level it was in the nursery container. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Continue watering deeply every few days until the tree is established.
Conclusion: Grow with 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow for Year-Round Color and Beauty
Incorporating 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow into your landscape design adds not only beauty but also resilience. Its striking blooms and fast-growing nature make it a top choice for Southwest gardens, offering color and interest throughout the warmer months. Whether used as a focal point in a residential garden or as part of a commercial landscape, this tree will make a lasting impression.
Pair it with other plants from the Civano Growers collection, such as Leucophyllum varieties and Hesperaloe species, to create a well-rounded, visually appealing garden. The 'Bubba Jones' Desert Willow is more than just a tree—it’s an investment in a vibrant, sustainable, and pollinator-friendly landscape.
By planting 'Bubba Jones' in your designs, you're not just adding a tree; you’re enhancing the beauty of your landscape with a plant that’s perfectly suited for the challenges of desert environments. Whether you're a garden designer or a homeowner, 'Bubba Jones offers a timeless, striking addition that will continue to bloom and delight year after year.
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