Chitalpa ‘El Niño’ (Photo: Susan Rosenthal)

This cross between Chilopsis (desert willow) and Catalpa was introduced just a few years ago and is the only shrub form Chitalpa. Growing 5 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, it produces pinkish purple orchid- or snapdragon-like blooms in spring and sporadically throughout summer. After one season, my five-gallon plant is now 4 to 5 feet tall.

Recommended for sun to partial shade, mine gets about five hours of afternoon sun but would probably like a little more to bloom better. We'll see as it gets older. One thing for sure, the hottest afternoon sun in July didn't phase it. In slightly sandy soil it's doing well with average water. Anyone familiar with the older Chitalpa trees knows their big downside — constant leaf drop all summer long. Because of that, I was really hesitant to try the shrub. But no problem! This one hasn't lost a leaf all summer, and foliage has stayed bright green with no scorching even at 114 degrees.