Hardiness zones
Sunset 12-13
USDA 9-11

Landscape Use: Accent shrub, large bank cover, background, filler, usually best planted in groups in xeric or desert landscape themes.

Form & Character: Semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub, open, sprawling to unruly, informal

Growth Habit: Moderate growth rate sprawling and cascading to 10' in height with equal to greater spread.

Foliage/texture: Leaves small, ovate olive green leans with prominent veins, serrate margins gives the appearance of being sparsely leaved; medium fine texture.

Flowers & fruits: White flowers to 1" across with revolute margins, fruit inconspicuous.

Seasonal color: Brilliant white flowers are produced mostly heavily in August and early September, usually at the end of the Arizona summer monsoon. Also flowers in spring. Individaul flowers are short-lived, but contrast well against the open-canopied background of this shrub's foliage and stems.

Temperature: Tolerant

Light: Full sun

Soil: Tolerant of aridity and alkalinity common to Phoenix soils.

Watering: Apply water at least monthly during the summer once established to maintain vigor.

Pruning: Head back lightly in later winter to increase canopy density, though this plant will always have an open and airy feel to it. Horticultural clods who shear little leaf cordia destroy it's subtle nuances.

Propagation: Cutting

Disease and pests: None

Additional comments: This is a great, informal medium to large background accent shrub for large landscape spaces. Best used in mass or groups planted 8 to10 ft on center. Will always have somewhat of an open and airy appearance regardless of watering and pruning, and is resistant to formal training (DON'T SHEAR THIS PLANT!) - it is a non-conformist.