Desert-Honeysuckle, Taperosa (Anisacanthus thurberi)
Type: Deciduous shrub
Size: 4–6 feet high, 3–4 feet wide
Bloom: January–April in Sonora, April– June in U. S., sporadic fall
Water use: Low to moderate
This is a charming shrub for the spring hummingbird garden, especially for difficult, hot, low-desert landscapes. The tubular blooms, in shades that range widely from golden yellow to burnt orange to nearly vermilion, provide valuable nectar for nesting hummingbirds.
Established plants are quite drought tolerant once established, requiring a deep soaking only once a month during summer dry periods. Desert-honeysuckle prefers to be in full sun and even tolerates reflected heat. Other than insisting upon good drainage it is not fussy about soil. Plants seem to perform best if cut back hard in late winter every few years.
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Groupings can be incorporated into an informal border or seasonal hedge, and singular plants work well in patio plantings and along pathways.
