Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls.
Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Provide occasional supplemental irrigation during prolonged summer heat; reduce watering sharply in winter.
Soil: Very well-drained sandy or gravelly soil; avoid heavy, persistently wet clay. Use a cactus mix for containers.
Mature size: Typically 6–8 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide; may grow taller in sheltered, frost-free locations.
Bloom: Intermittently from late spring through fall, with flowering influenced by warmth and moisture.
Evergreen / deciduous: Semi-evergreen; leaves may drop during drought or cold weather, leaving green stems.
Growth rate: Moderate in warm weather with occasional deep watering; slower under very dry conditions.