< Back

Black Dalea

Dalea frutescens

false

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Black Dalea

Out of stock

4'x5'

Sizes:

Black Dalea - Dalea frutescens

Black Dalea is a must-have for desert landscapes. This fast-growing, mounding shrub becomes a showstopper in fall and spring when it's covered in masses of vibrant purple flowers. The intense bloom provides a striking contrast against the backdrop of many yellow-flowering desert plants, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden.

Black Dalea forms a rounded mound with fine-textured, gray-green, ferny foliage, which stays evergreen in the low desert. Its delicate leaves pair beautifully with other desert plants like prickly pear cacti and ornamental grasses, offering a soft texture that contrasts well with more structured, bold plants.

Plant Black Dalea in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering or fertilizing, as this can lead to legginess, weak growth, and reduced flowering. This drought-resistant shrub thrives on neglect once established and requires minimal to no maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-water, desert gardens.

In addition to its visual appeal, Black Dalea is a magnet for pollinators. The abundant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while serving as a host plant for the Dogface butterfly. Though typically resistant to browsing, rabbits may occasionally nibble on its foliage.

Use this versatile shrub for mass plantings, as a colorful border, or as a feature in planned desert landscapes. Its vibrant flowers and fine foliage texture add both color and structure to any dry garden, making it a valuable choice for those looking to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly habitat.

Wildlife Value
Black Dalea is an exceptional nectar plant in the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, providing abundant late-season blooms that sustain pollinators when few other flowers are available.

Host Plant: California Dogface (Zerene eurydice), Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae), Marine Blue (Leptotes marina), Reakirt’s Blue (Echinargus isola)

Nectar Source: Exceptional bee plant (Xerces Society), attracting native bees—including long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), and bumblebees (Bombus spp.)—as well as butterflies, including sulphurs and skippers.

Bird Resources: Nectar; insects attracted to blooms; shelter.

Bird Species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna).

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low; Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

4'x5'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Purple

Flower season:

Fall; Winter; Spring

Pruning:

May cut back in late winter or early spring if the plant becomes leggy or woody.

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.