Bubba Desert Willow

The Bubba Desert Willow Tree typically grows to 15 to 25 feet tall and about 10 to 20 feet wide at maturity. Its upright, airy canopy and deep green, willow-like leaves give it a graceful, sculptural look—ideal for adding shade and desert beauty to your landscape without overwhelming smaller spaces.

Bubba Desert Willow is a fast-growing tree, especially in warm, dry climates. You can expect it to grow 2 to 3 feet per year, quickly developing into a flowering focal point that adds height, texture, and color to your yard in just a few seasons.

Plant the Bubba Desert Willow in a sunny, open location with well-draining soil. This tree thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and is extremely well-suited for hot, dry regions—especially in USDA Zones 7–10. It’s perfect for xeriscapes, desert landscapes, or low-maintenance yards, and it does best when planted away from areas with standing water or heavy clay soil.

When planting multiple Bubba Desert Willows, space them at least 10 to 20 feet apart. This allows each tree enough room for its canopy to spread naturally while maintaining good airflow and access to sunlight—especially important if you’re creating a grove-like planting or privacy screen.

To plant your Bubba Desert Willow:
1. Choose a sunny, well-drained site.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
3. Loosen the roots if they’re circling the pot.
4. Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
5. Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk. Ensure the soil is well-draining.
6. Water about once a week during the first growing season to help establish strong roots.

Once established, it’s extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

This tree is incredibly easy to maintain once established. Here’s how to care for it:
• Sunlight: Requires full sun—6+ hours daily
• Watering: Water about once a week during the first year; once established, it thrives with minimal water
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; avoid overly wet or clay-heavy areas
• Fertilizer: Not typically needed, but you can apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired
• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain shape and encourages more blooms

The Bubba variety also features glossy, deep green foliage, which stays lush in summer heat.

The Bubba Desert Willow produces vibrant pink and burgundy trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring through early fall—often repeating bloom cycles all summer long. The long bloom time and eye-catching color make it a standout in desert gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

If your Bubba Desert Willow isn’t blooming, consider these common causes:
• Too little sunlight: It needs full sun to produce flowers. Shade can significantly reduce blooming.
• Overwatering: This desert-native prefers drier soil. Soggy roots can stress the plant and delay flowering.
• Age: Young trees may take 1–2 seasons to establish before blooming regularly.
• Heavy pruning: If pruned too aggressively or at the wrong time (spring), flower buds may be removed.

With proper sunlight and care, most trees begin blooming reliably by their second or third year.

Yes—Bubba Desert Willow responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a smaller, multi-trunked tree or large shrub. Prune annually in late winter or early spring to shape the canopy, remove suckers or lower limbs, and maintain a manageable size. It’s also a great candidate for bonsai-style pruning or small-space landscapes.

Absolutely. The Bubba Desert Willow is a pollinator magnet, especially for:
• Hummingbirds
• Bees
• Butterflies

Its trumpet-shaped, nectar-rich flowers provide a long-lasting food source from spring through fall, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens, wildlife habitats, or any eco-conscious landscape.

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In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

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