Ocotillo is a perennial grown for its red blooms, which open in indeterminate and return year after year. Notably, it shrugs off deer and shrugs off dry spells. Its indeterminate flowers are a real draw for hummingbirds and native bees.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
6.1-7.8
Sun
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
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Score Ocotillo on your exact land.
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What Ocotillo is
Ocotillo grows as a perennial and reaches around ten feet at maturity. It blooms red in indeterminate. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Ocotillo
Ocotillo does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 6.1 to 7.8, on fast-draining ground.
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
6.1 - 7.8
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Full Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
excessive (dry/moderately dry)
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
10 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant ocotillo in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Ocotillo prefers pH 6.1 to 7.8 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. Match watering to the plant's drainage preference and your local rainfall.
Harvest at its peak
Cut ocotillo blooms in the cool of the morning, just as they open, for the longest display.
Good to know
Good news for pet owners — ocotillo isn't known to be toxic to dogs or cats. (Source: ASPCA.)
Ocotillo is a standout pollinator plant — high value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Ocotillo thrives
Whether ocotillo thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Ocotillo will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether ocotillo actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Ocotillo in my zone?
Zone data for ocotillo is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Ocotillo?
Most growers plant ocotillo after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Ocotillo need?
Ocotillo needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.
What soil does Ocotillo need?
Ocotillo prefers soil pH 6.1 to 7.8, on fast-draining ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Ocotillo attract pollinators?
Yes — ocotillo's flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for hummingbirds and native bees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Ocotillo safe for pets?
Ocotillo is not known to be toxic to dogs or cats based on available data (ASPCA). Always supervise pets around new plantings.