Cordia parvifolia

Little Leaf Cordia

OVERVIEW:

Aside from some notable cacti, white-flowering desert plants are hard to come by, but this desert native proves it can be done elegantly with exceptional tolerance of drought, full sun, and sweltering heat. From a distance, the clusters of white flowers on Little Leaf Cordia resemble airy puffs of cotton or snow. These blooms persist from spring through fall, and are especially prolific during monsoon season, when heat and humidity levels are high. The natural form of this evergreen shrub is rounded and compact, and with little to no pruning necessary, it is incredibly easy to maintain. Use it in mass for informal borders, hedges or foundations, or single it out and feature it as an effortless but dramatic garden accent.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Cordia parvifolia

Common Name: Little Leaf Cordia

Family: Boraginaceae

Suggested Uses: Seasonal accent, desert garden, full sun specimen

CHARACTERISTICS:

Dimensions: 6ft x 6ft

Foliage: dark, velvet-esque green/silver leaves

Flower: White

Bloom Period: late spring - early autumn

Fruit: brown seed pods

Bark: textured brown

ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: Full sun

Water: Low

Soil: well-drained alkaline soils

USDA Zone: 8-10