Chuparosa - Yellow

Plant Type: deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 3–5 feet
Spread: 4–5 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Chuparosa – Yellow (Justicia californica – Yellow Form): Unique Color Twist on a Hummingbird Favorite

Yellow Chuparosa is a rare color variation of the native desert chuparosa shrub, featuring the same drought tolerance and wildlife appeal as the red form but with cheerful golden blooms. Flowering from late winter through spring, it’s a standout choice for adding a softer, sunny hue to Arizona’s desert landscapes.

Key Features of Chuparosa – Yellow

• Bright Yellow Blooms: Tubular flowers appear in abundance during the cooler months, providing a long-lasting seasonal display.
• Wildlife-Friendly: Nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
• Low-Water Performer: Thrives with minimal irrigation once established.
• Seasonal Interest: Peak flowering in winter and spring, often continuing after rain events.

Growing and Care Tips

Yellow Chuparosa is just as hardy and low-maintenance as its red counterpart.

Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky, well-draining soils.
Water: Moderate during establishment; afterward, water only every 2–4 weeks in hot, dry weather.
Fertilizer: Rarely needed; use a balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching.

Landscaping Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Excellent for attracting hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
• Accent Plant: Adds rare yellow blooms to desert plant palettes.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a sea of golden color when planted in groups.
• Naturalized Desert Landscapes: Works well in native and xeriscape designs.

Summary

Yellow Chuparosa is a desert-hardy shrub that combines drought tolerance, wildlife appeal, and vibrant seasonal color. Its unusual golden blooms provide a striking alternative to the standard red form while thriving with minimal care.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Chuparosa – Yellow

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for maximum bloom production.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils are best.
Spacing: Space 4–5 feet apart for mass planting.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not required—naturally forms an open, arching habit.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply right after planting.
• Frequency: Every 4–5 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 2–3 months with consistent watering and new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 14–21 days during extreme heat.
• Winter: Usually no supplemental water needed unless there’s extended drought.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1 emitter 12–18 inches from base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for younger plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase in hot, dry weather; reduce in cooler seasons.

General Watering Tips for Chuparosa – Yellow:

• Soil Check: Let top 3–4 inches dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers dry intervals and can suffer in consistently wet soil.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds without trapping humidity.