Scientific: Dalea pulchra
Common: indigo bush
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Found on gravelly slopes, 2,000 to 5,000 ft elevation in southeastern Arizona and northern Sonora

Hardiness zones:
Sunset 11-13
USDA 8 - 11

Landscape Use: Medium sized xeriscape shrub for medium to large areas

Form & Character: Evergreen shrub, semi-prostrate and spreading, refined and light in appearance, almost delicate

Growth Habit: Moderate 4' to 5' height with equal spread

Foliage/texture: Green small pinnately compound leaves, occasionally silvery tomentose, delicate fine texture

Flowers & fruits: Clusters of small magenta pink flowers, fruit inconspicuous

Seasonal color: Profusion of light magenta pink flowers during Spring (note that D. frutescens looks very similar but blooms during late summer and early fall)

Temperature: Tolerant, hardy to 15oF

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well drained

Watering: Much drought once established. Water infrequently during summer to prevent excessive leaf drop as this plant is adjusts to dry conditions by shedding foliage

Pruning: To control shape. Do not shear.

Propagation: Seed and cutting

Disease and pests: Root rot if drainage is poor

Additional comments: Informal looking shrub that is great for xeriscape landscapes. Great contrast with Encelia farinosa. There are 12 species of Dalea that are used in Arizona landscaping.