Moderate water in Phoenix; irrigate deeply and allow the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water more frequently during establishment and extreme summer heat.
Size
6-10 ft tall × 4-8 ft wide
Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
Fast-growing shrub with arching branches, narrow gray-green leaves, and fragrant flower spikes that attract butterflies; needs protection from Phoenix’s harshest summer conditions.
Bloom Time
Spring through fall
Deciduous / Evergreen
Deciduous
Special Features
Attracts Butterflies, Fast Growing, Fragrant
Growth Rate
Fast
Growth Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Mature Size
6-10 ft tall × 4-8 ft wide
Flower Color
Purple / pink / white / or yellow depending on cultivar
Autumn sage, Desert milkweed, Lantana, Society garlic
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions
Light: Full morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; avoid reflected heat from pavement and west-facing walls.
Water: Moderate water in Phoenix; irrigate deeply and allow the upper few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water more frequently during establishment and extreme summer heat.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline conditions but struggles in poorly drained clay. Plant slightly elevated if drainage is marginal.
Mature size: Typically 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide; dwarf cultivars remain about 2–4 feet tall and wide.
Bloom: Late spring through fall, with flowering often reduced during extreme summer heat. Deadheading encourages repeat bloom.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous to semi-evergreen in Phoenix’s mild winters.
Growth rate: Fast with adequate irrigation and suitable exposure.