Apache plume
Fallugia paradoxa
Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Iconic native, white flowers in summer, pink feathery seed plumes through fall.
Colorado nativelow water4 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wideXeric / water-wisePlant Select®Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Carrie Seltzer, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 4 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~6 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Slow
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer, late summer
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week for first summer; minimal irrigation after. Tolerates poor soil.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Apache plume good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Apache plume is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Apache plume?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Apache plume get?
- It matures to about 4 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Apache plume?
- Space Apache plume about 6 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Apache plume hardy on the Front Range?
- Apache plume is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Apache plume need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Apache plume grow?
- Apache plume is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Apache plume native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Apache plume deer-resistant?
- Apache plume is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Apache plume a Plant Select® winner?
- Yes. Apache plume is in Plant Select®, the plant-recommendation program run by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens to highlight plants that thrive in the region.
- How long does Apache plume bloom?
- Apache plume blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
