Light: At least 6 hours of sun, preferably morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix. Avoid reflected heat from west-facing walls.
Water: Water deeply at the root zone when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. Increase frequency during extreme heat; containers may need daily checks. Avoid soggy soil and overhead watering.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic soil is ideal. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require treatment for iron deficiency. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the crown.
Mature size: Typically 5–10 feet tall on support and 3–5 feet wide; exact size depends on cultivar and pruning.
Bloom: Most cultivars repeat bloom from spring through fall, with strongest flowering in spring and fall and reduced bloom during extreme summer heat.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous to semi-evergreen in Phoenix; may retain some foliage through mild winters.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate water and nutrition; growth slows in extreme heat.