Bubba Jones Desert Willow

An Easy-Care Willow with Pink, Orchid-Like Flowers

The Bubba Jones Desert Willow is a new hybrid of two plants: the ‘Bubba’ contributes its long, thin, and glossy green leaves, while the ‘Warren Jones’ offers its fragrant, pink and burgundy two-toned flowers. The result is a tall, stunning multi-trunk tree that flowers each season with orchid-like blooms! 

The tree produces flowers with yellow highlights and ruffled petals reminiscent of orchids. Flowers grow in clusters of light pink to red wine, or a mixture of the two. What’s more is that the Bubba Jones Desert Willow is taller than the other members of the ‘Bubba’ series and is also nearly seedless. At maturity, this large tree can reach 20 to 25 feet. 

Like other plants in this series, the Bubba Jones Desert Willow is drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and hardy. Growers in more arid parts of the country often value it as an ornamental tree that also withstands urban conditions. Bred to withstand changing climates, it holds up well to urban conditions while also supporting birds, bees, and butterflies.

Native to the southwest, this large tree can be planted almost anywhere. The Bubba Jones Desert Willow will thrive even near patios, roadsides, and sidewalks, though do be sure to give this tree enough light and space.

The Bubba Jones Desert Willow is sure to be a standout wherever you plant it. Order yours today!

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Place in an area where it can receive full sunlight (between 6-8 hours per day) in dry soil. Since this tree grows rapidly and widely, space it from other plants and trees accordingly. For an instant privacy screen, plant these trees 5 feet apart. To give the trees a bit more room (which requires less work in terms of pruning), plant them 20 to 30 feet apart. You can plant them in a straight line, or in two staggered rows. 

When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole as deep as the root ball but twice as wide. Then, place the tree in the hole to check the depth – if the level of the soil surrounding the hole is higher than the root ball, pick the tree up, put some more soil in the hole, and replace the tree. Then, back fill the soil and water to settle.

2. Watering: Water regularly until established. Since this tree thrives in hot, dry conditions, be careful not to overwater. 

3. Pruning: Desert Willows require pruning primarily to control their size and shape and to remove dead branches. Cut dead branches all the way back to the trunk, stopping at least ½ inch before the trunk. The pruning cut will heal itself.

If you’re growing the Willows as a hedge, trim once a year in the winter, which will encourage the tree to branch out and become denser throughout the summer.

4. Fertilizing: Fertilizing your Desert Willows isn’t necessary and excessive fertilizing can damage them.