Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; protect from intense western exposure and reflected desert heat.
Water: Water deeply when the upper 1–2 inches of soil dry; maintain consistent moisture during hot weather without waterlogging. Reduce watering substantially during cool weather or leaf drop.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic to neutral. Use a quality, freely draining potting mix in containers; Phoenix’s alkaline soil and water may cause nutrient deficiencies.
Mature size: Typically 10–20 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide in favorable conditions; often smaller in Phoenix or maintained at 4–8 feet in containers with pruning.
Bloom: Small flower clusters usually appear in late spring through summer on established plants.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in warm climates; may become semi-deciduous or lose its leaves during Phoenix winters.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast in warm weather with adequate moisture and nutrition; slow or dormant during cool weather.