Light: At least 6 hours of direct sun, preferably morning sun with afternoon shade. Avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls and pavement.
Water: Water deeply at the root zone, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated. Established plants may need several deep waterings weekly during extreme summer heat; reduce frequency in cooler weather. Adjust for soil drainage and container size.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Slightly acidic soil is preferred; Phoenix’s alkaline soil may require treatment for iron deficiency. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch, keeping it away from the crown.
Mature size: Approximately 4–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, depending on pruning and growing conditions.
Bloom: Repeat flushes from spring through fall, with the best flowering in spring and autumn. Extreme summer heat can reduce bloom size and quality.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous, but may remain partly leafy through mild Phoenix winters.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate water and nutrition.