New Deer-Resistant Shrub to Grow: El Nino Desert Orchid

Back of the border, flowering shrubs are a welcome addition to any garden but those that are also deer-resistant are a cause for celebration. In the past I've looked to Carolina allspice (Calycanthus) to fill this role, especially the variety Aphrodite, although I have been told that while they have proven reliably deer resistant in Seattle that's not the case in Alabama. Well now we have another option: El Nino desert orchid (Chitalpa), a new introduction from Proven Winners which I am trialing in my garden right now.

Why I'm excited!

Orchid-like flowers of El Nino desert orchid appear in late spring/ early summer

I love their description of this deciduous shrub; "…a unicorn, combining the best qualities of… desert willow and catalpa." Sounds promising doesn't it? I mean who doesn't love a unicorn?!

The fragrant flowers resemble orchids although they also remind me of the annual Schizanthus, commonly called poor-man's-orchid that I used to grow when I lived in England. It has one primary bloom season in either late spring or early summer depending on your climate with the promise of occasional flowers throughout the summer.

The foliage is a pleasing light green which sets off the magenta flowers nicely but is not ornamental in its own right so perhaps sent this alongside a purple smoke bush for a nice companion planting.

Eventually reaching 10- 15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide, this needs some space to really give the wow factor. While waiting for it to reach maturity you may like to add temporary height and fill that gap with taller ornamental grasses that can easily be removed later.

Ideally this needs 6 or more hours of direct sun each day although afternoon sun only would also work. the soil needs average moisture and good drainage (very few shrubs like soggy winter soils) but otherwise is easy care.

Pruning is not necessary, but if you wish to control height or shape it, this should be done in very early spring, just as the new growth is emerging, since it blooms on new wood.

I have only had this in my own garden since last fall so don't have experience with it yet, but can report that it came through winter without any dieback. I see from another review from a gardener in zone 5b/6a that their shrub grew from a tiny quart sized pot to a 5-6 foot branched tree in a single season! Also that it leafed out despite temperatures dropping to -20'. That sounds very promising doesn't it?

Proven Winners cites the hardiness of this as USDA zones 6a-9b….so get out there and start shopping!

Where to purchase

A young shrub showing the mounding habit of El Nino desert orchid

Ask your favorite local garden center for their expected delivery date – these are new from Proven Winners in 2025. Here's one way to check their retailers, but call ahead to be sure of availability.

A few places are also offering pre-order online: e.g. Gardening with Creekside, or online availability: great garden plants, Wilson Bros Gardens, Wayside Gardens

Note: there are not personal recommendations – I'm just saving you some research time

Photos courtesy Proven Winners

Short Break

I'm heading to England this weekend to lead my garden tour to the Cotswolds, South Wales and the Chelsea Flower Show – I'll be sure to take lots of photos to share with you in the future! However, since we will be listing our garden (and house) for sale the first week of June, please forgive me if I take a short break from sending out these biweekly blog posts. I'll be back with you ASAP.

Meanwhile, be sure to follow our tour adventures on my Facebook page as I'll post each evening.

Happy gardening friends xx