A new large shrub or small tree, called EL Niño Desert Orchid is a very special North American native hybrid. Hardy to USDA hardiness zones 6-9, it is as easy to grow as it is beautiful. El Niño produces large rose pink, orchid-looking blooms that appear in early summer.

NCSU’s Dr. Ranney is credited for this new, uniquely compact introduction. In breeding terms, El Niño is an intergeneric hybrid of Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) and Catalpa (Catalpa bignoniodes). Both parents are in the Bignoniaceae family. Desert Willow is well-known for its tolerance to poor soils and the dry heat of the American Southwest. The tree may eventually reach 30 feet in height.

Native catalpas are large 60 foot trees that bloom annually in their native habitat that includes Tennessee and North Carolina and are mildew resistant. Catalpa’s lovely purple orchid blooms appear in early to mid-summer and sporadically through the summer months. Oh, its blooms are delightfully fragrant up close.

In its first year Chitalpa El Niño should grow 5-6 feet tall and spreading to 4-5 feet wide. El Niño forms an upright 10-15 feet mounded shrub or small tree in 10 years. An abundance of rose-pink, orchid-like flowers form on top of the new growth in mid-June. Flowering continues into very early September here in Northeast Tennessee (zone 7a).

Hardy in zones 6-9, El Niño should be grown in full sun to part sun locations (6-hour minimum) and in well-drained soil. At the colder end of its hardiness range, it may die back to the ground in a cold winter and regrow the following spring.

El Nino develops into an excellent multi-branched small tree or shrub. Pruning is rarely required, but if desired, pruning should be done in early spring. It can tolerate summer heat and poor soil conditions. Once established, Chitalpa El Niño is drought tolerant. This landscape shrub/tree thrives with a light feeding of slow-release fertilizer or seasonal irrigation if needed.  

No pesticides are needed and Chitalpa El Niño is deer-proof. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinator.

Chitalpa El Niño should become more available at garden centers that sell Proven Winners (PW) nursery stock.