Black Dalea

Dalea frutescens

Light

Water

Low water once established. Water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly; supplemental watering every 2–4 weeks during hot, dry weather supports growth and flowering. Water more frequently during establishment and much less in winter.

Size

2-3 ft tall × 2-4 ft wide

Habit

Mounded – spreading shrub

Toxicity

Not Established

Description

A compact, fine-textured desert shrub with tiny compound leaves, dark woody stems, and abundant purple flowers.

Bloom Time

Fall; September through November.

Deciduous / Evergreen

Deciduous

Special Features

Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant

Growth Rate

Moderate

Growth Habit

Mounded – spreading shrub

Mature Size

2-3 ft tall × 2-4 ft wide

Flower Color

Purple to magenta

Foliage Color

Green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Desert / Xeriscape, Groundcover, Pollinator / Wildlife Garden

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Angelita daisy, Damianita, Desert marigold, Desert spoon, Red yucca, Santa Rita prickly pear

Not Established

Not established — verify

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light afternoon shade in Phoenix.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly; supplemental watering every 2–4 weeks during hot, dry weather supports growth and flowering. Water more frequently during establishment and much less in winter.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil; tolerates alkaline soils. Avoid poorly drained soil and excessive fertilizer.

Mature size: Approximately 2–3 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide.

Bloom: Late summer through fall, often following seasonal rains.

Evergreen / deciduous: Semi-evergreen in Phoenix; may lose leaves during cold weather or prolonged drought.

Growth rate: Moderate.