Yellow Dalea

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 2–3 feet
Spread: 3–4 feet
Flower Color: golden yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Yellow Dalea (Dalea capitata): Bright, Low-Water Color for Desert Gardens

Yellow Dalea is a small, evergreen desert shrub known for its fine-textured foliage and masses of golden-yellow flowers in the cooler months. Native to arid regions, it thrives in the heat and poor soils of Arizona, making it a reliable choice for low-water landscapes.

Key Features of Yellow Dalea

• Cheerful Yellow Blooms: Produces clusters of golden flowers primarily in fall and winter, adding seasonal brightness.
• Fine, Silvery-Green Foliage: Soft, airy leaves provide year-round texture and color.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, survives on minimal supplemental water.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally compact form requires little to no shaping.

Growing and Care Tips

Yellow Dalea is an easy-care plant that excels in sunny, well-drained locations.

Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage; amend clay to prevent waterlogging.
Water: Deep water during establishment; afterward, water every 2–4 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Rarely needed; a light application of low-nitrogen fertilizer in late summer can encourage more blooms.
Pruning: Minimal—light trim after flowering to maintain density.

Landscaping Uses

• Seasonal Color Accent: Adds golden hues during the cooler months.
• Borders & Edging: Works beautifully along walkways and driveways.
• Wildlife Gardens: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a soft, colorful effect in groupings.

Summary

Yellow Dalea is a dependable desert shrub offering seasonal gold flowers and year-round soft texture. With low water needs and minimal maintenance, it’s a perfect fit for Arizona’s xeriscape designs.

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

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best flowering and compact growth.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils preferred.
Spacing: Space 3–4 feet apart for mass plantings or borders.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not needed—forms a naturally rounded, sturdy plant.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to moisten soil 6–8 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 extended dry heat.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if no rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1 emitter 8–12 inches from base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for younger plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering during extreme heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Yellow Dalea:

• Soil Check: Let top 3 inches dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: This plant thrives in dry conditions; excess water reduces flowering.
• Mulch: Apply gravel mulch to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds.