Chinese Pistache 'Red Push'

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 30-35 feet
Spread: 25-30 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Chinese Pistache 'Red Push' (Pistacia chinensis ‘Red Push’) – Unique Red Foliage and Year-Round Beauty for Arizona Landscapes

Enhance your Phoenix Valley garden with Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push,’ a hardy, drought-tolerant tree renowned for its vibrant red new growth and striking fall color. This eye-catching cultivar of Pistacia chinensis stands out for its unique red spring foliage that matures to a rich green, creating a dynamic, year-round display. ‘Red Push’ is ideal for residential landscapes, urban settings, and water-wise gardens, providing ample shade, seasonal color, and minimal maintenance requirements.

Key Features of Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’

‘Red Push’ reaches a mature height of 30 to 35 feet with a broad, rounded canopy that spreads 25 to 30 feet, making it a perfect choice for shade in Arizona’s sunny climate. In spring, new growth emerges in a vivid red, gradually transforming to lush dark green throughout the growing season. In fall, this cultivar shows off a spectacular display of fiery reds and oranges, creating a focal point in any landscape. Its moderate growth rate, coupled with its compact size, makes it highly suitable for residential yards, street plantings, and parks.

Adapted to full sun, Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ thrives in well-draining soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent option for Phoenix Valley’s water-conserving landscapes. Known for its resilience, ‘Red Push’ is also resistant to common pests and diseases, further enhancing its appeal as a low-maintenance tree for Arizona’s challenging climate.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a stunning tree that provides shade, seasonal color, and resilience with minimal watering. Its drought tolerance, vibrant foliage, and reliable performance make it a sustainable choice for gardens focused on water conservation.

Versatile Uses for Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Shade Tree for Lawns and Patios: The rounded canopy provides natural shade, making it perfect for cooling patios, lawns, and outdoor seating areas during hot Arizona summers.

• Focal Point in Gardens: With its unique red spring foliage and vibrant autumn colors, ‘Red Push’ is an ideal specimen tree for adding visual impact and seasonal interest to garden designs.

• Street and Urban Tree: Tolerant of pollution, compact soils, and urban conditions, ‘Red Push’ performs well in restricted soil spaces, making it a reliable choice for street and urban landscaping.

• Water-Wise Landscaping and Xeriscaping: This cultivar’s drought tolerance and minimal water needs make it a great addition to xeriscaped gardens and low-water landscapes, thriving alongside other desert-friendly plants.

Care Tips for Growing Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ in Phoenix Valley

Plant Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ in a sunny location with well-draining soil to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage color. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots; afterward, it requires minimal supplemental watering. This tree is relatively low-maintenance, needing occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Its resilience to pests, diseases, and harsh conditions makes it an ideal, low-care option for Arizona gardens seeking year-round beauty and shade.

Why Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a versatile, colorful tree that provides seasonal beauty, shade, and low-water resilience with minimal care. Its vibrant red spring foliage, striking fall color, and tolerance for drought make it a practical and attractive addition to residential landscapes, urban settings, and water-wise gardens. Whether used as a shade tree, in urban plantings, or as a standalone feature, ‘Red Push’ combines beauty and functionality, enhancing Arizona landscapes with its adaptability and unique color transitions. For a sustainable, easy-care tree that thrives in warm climates, Chinese Pistache ‘Red Push’ is an exceptional choice.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Chinese Pistache 'Red Push'

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and color)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 20-25 feet apart to accommodate their full size and growth habits
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking required unless young; Red Push Chinese Pistache grows with a beautiful canopy of red and orange leaves in fall

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Red Push Chinese Pistache is considered established after 4-6 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the tree
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for optimal watering
• Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, increase watering frequency to every 7-10 days, and in winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks