Ocotillo Planting Instructions

Wire

• Because of its prickly canes the Ocotillo is difficult to handle, which is one reason nurseries bundle the shrub to restrain the canes by pulling them together and fastening them with wire. Restraining the canes is just one reason for the wiring.

  When you plant the Ocotillo it is important that the plant face the same direction as it did in its original location. For this reason, the wires are twisted together on the south side of the plant. Always note where the wires are twisted together and make that the south side of the plant at its new location.

Tag

• Leave the wire on the Ocotillo until you plant it, or else it will be virtually impossible to orient the plant correctly. A legally obtained plant will also be tagged; don’t remove the tag until after you plant it and then retain the tag for proof of ownership. The wire can be cut from the Ocotillo, using wire cutters. Exert caution when removing the wires as the canes will spring out when released.

Location

• Select a location that receives full sunlight and has good drainage with sandy soil. If you have a watering system, don’t place the Ocotillo close to other plants that are receiving frequent watering. Dig a hole large enough to place the root system. For an 8-foot-tall Ocotillo the soil line will fall about an inch below the section of the plant where the canes come together. The distance is about 5 inches for an Ocotillo that is over 10 feet tall.

Planting

• Before you set the Ocotillo in the hole trim any broken roots, but retain as much of the roots as possible. Once the plant is set in the hole fill in the hole with sandy soil and pack down using a shovel. All the garden tools should be clean to avoid infecting the plant with harmful bacteria and viruses. Once the plant is solidly planted and the wires removed, sprinkle the canes with water. Continue watering the canes lightly for the first two months. If you are planting during the hot summer months, sprinkle the canes twice a day for two months instead of once a day.