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19250 S Ellsworth Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142

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Black Dalea – Desert Horizon Nursery

Black Dalea

Dalea frutescens
Categories:
Shrubs  ·  
Desert Shrubs
Light
Full sun
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.