Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun for flowering. Avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls.
Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Water deeply throughout the root zone, allowing the upper few inches of soil to dry between irrigations; increase frequency during extreme summer heat and reduce in winter.
Soil: Deep, well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may cause iron deficiency. Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Mature size: 20–30 feet tall or longer, spreading 15–30 feet with support; can be maintained smaller with regular pruning.
Bloom: Typically blooms in early to mid-spring, before or as leaves emerge; occasional lighter summer bloom. Seed-grown plants may take 10–15 years or longer to flower; named, grafted plants generally bloom sooner.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Fast once established with adequate irrigation; establishment may be slow under desert conditions.