Shrubs
Apache Plume, Exotic Xeric Wonder for the Desert Southwest
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Feb 24, 2005 - 9:01:00 PM

The Apache Plume, Fallugia paradoxa, is a great choice for a xeric garden in arid areas of the Southwest. A shrub from the rose family, its exotic seed heads look like something that you’d find in a Caribbean coral reef rather than in the desert. The flowers themselves are an appealing light pink to white. An Apache Plume in your garden will attract bees and butterflies, and birds may come to eat the seeds. Another interesting fact about this plant is that native peoples of this area used it in a tea to prevent hair loss.

If you’d like to include an Apache Plume in your garden, here are a few tips that will help you grow a nice healthy plant.

Apache Plume is generally tough and should be planted in full sun or partial shade. It is appropriate to plant up until about 7,500 to 8,000 feet in USDA zones 4-8. Apache Plume likes sandy soils or clay loams. A mature plant will grow to about four to six feet.

Like many other shrubs and trees, you should plant the Apache Plume in the Fall or early Spring. You’ll want to give it a good deep watering every month, especially during the warmest months of the year. With deep watering, your Apache Plume will grow faster and be fuller and more robust. However, once your plant is established, regular rainfall will probably be enough to keep it going. You may end up over watering if it’s next to irrigated areas of your landscaping. Remember, this is a desert plant and you should be using it to help with water conservation.

Like most native plants that you can find in open spaces around your city or town, never transplant them directly from the desert. The Apache Plume has deep roots and will probably die if your uproot it. Additionally, you will be affecting the natural landscapes of the desert. It’s best to buy your plants from a local nursery. You may also try collecting seeds and growing them at home.

Enjoy your xeric garden and remember, “¡Agua es Vida!”

Here are two sites with some nice photos that you can refer to for more information about the Apache Plume.

Apache Plume, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension

New Mexico State University, Apache Plume

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