Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is best in Phoenix, especially away from reflected heat.
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from deep, occasional irrigation in Phoenix. Let soil dry partially between waterings; reduce watering substantially during winter dormancy.
Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soil but dislikes prolonged saturation. Raised planting areas help where native soil drains slowly.
Mature size: Typically 3–6 feet tall and wide; may reach 8–10 feet tall in protected, frost-free locations.
Bloom: Primarily spring to early summer, often before or as new leaves emerge.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous; cold can kill stems back to the ground, with regrowth from established roots in spring.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast during warm weather with adequate moisture.