Wishbone Bush
Mirabilis laevis
Also listed as Hesperonia laevis, Oxybaphus laevis
Also known as Desert Wishbonebush, Wishbone Plant
Climate Match for your location
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A drought-tolerant southwestern shrub with delicate pink or white flowers that typically open in late afternoon. Best suited for arid and semi-arid gardens with minimal water requirements.
Why grow it
Wishbone bush offers reliable performance in low-water landscapes where many ornamental shrubs struggle, making it a practical choice for water-conscious gardeners in arid regions. Unlike some drought-tolerant alternatives, it provides consistent afternoon flowering over an extended season, adding visual interest during peak heat when many plants are dormant. Its modest size and open growth habit make it useful for understory positions or accent plantings without requiring significant pruning or maintenance.
Watch out for
In areas with regular summer irrigation or high humidity, the plant may become leggy or prone to fungal issues, so site selection and soil drainage matter more than in its native range. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, despite their ultimate drought tolerance. The plant's self-seeding tendency can become prolific in ideal conditions, requiring occasional management if spread is not desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nyctaginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A drought-tolerant southwestern shrub with delicate pink or white flowers that typically open in late afternoon. Best suited for arid and semi-arid gardens with minimal water requirements.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wishbone Bush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Wishbone bush offers reliable performance in low-water landscapes where many ornamental shrubs struggle, making it a practical choice for water-conscious gardeners in arid regions. Unlike some drought-tolerant alternatives, it provides consistent afternoon flowering over an extended season, adding visual interest during peak heat when many plants are dormant. Its modest size and open growth habit make it useful for understory positions or accent plantings without requiring significant pruning or maintenance.
Watch out for
In areas with regular summer irrigation or high humidity, the plant may become leggy or prone to fungal issues, so site selection and soil drainage matter more than in its native range. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, despite their ultimate drought tolerance. The plant's self-seeding tendency can become prolific in ideal conditions, requiring occasional management if spread is not desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nyctaginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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