Smooth-edged Desert Spoon

Plant Type: shrubs
Plant Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 3-6 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Smooth-edged Desert Spoon (Dasylirion species): A Unique, Low-maintenance Accent for Desert Gardens

The Smooth-edged Desert Spoon is a stunning evergreen, rosette-forming succulent ideal for xeriscaping and desert landscapes. Known for its drought tolerance and architectural appearance, it thrives in arid climates and is a popular choice for Arizona gardens.

Key Features of the Smooth-edged Desert Spoon

• Striking Rosette Form: Grows in a spherical shape with long, slender blue-green leaves that radiate from the center.
• Smooth Leaf Edges: Unlike other Dasylirion species, the smooth-edged leaves make this plant safe for planting near pathways and pedestrian areas.
• Spectacular Flower Spike: In summer, it produces a tall flower stalk up to 15 feet with small, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Requirements: Thrives in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil, suitable for sandy or rocky areas.
• Water Needs: Extremely drought-tolerant once established; ideal for low-water landscapes.

Landscaping Uses

• Rock Gardens & Dry Riverbeds: Complements rock gardens and adds texture to dry riverbed designs.
• Focal Point in Xeriscapes: Provides contrast and visual interest as a centerpiece or accent in drought-tolerant gardens.
• Pathway Planting: Safe to plant along pathways due to smooth leaf edges, making it accessible in more populated areas.

Care Tips

• Minimal Watering: Requires little water once established, perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
• Slow-growing: Reduces the need for frequent pruning, with minimal upkeep required.

Summary

The Smooth-edged Desert Spoon is an outstanding choice for desert gardens and water-wise landscapes, offering a unique form and striking color. Its low-maintenance requirements, adaptability, and safe-to-handle leaves make it a favorite among gardeners looking to create an inviting, sustainable outdoor space. Whether in rock gardens, as a stand-alone feature, or as a textured accent, it brings enduring beauty and resilience to arid landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Smooth-edged Desert Spoon

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for their unique growth and to prevent overcrowding
• 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: Smooth-edged Desert Spoon is a self-supporting plant and does not require staking, growing into a striking, upright form with long, slender leaves

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 7-10 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Smooth-edged Desert Spoon is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 6-8 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 plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 6-8 weeks