Description

The desert germander has a rather scant presence in California, occurring only in the Whipple Mountains of eastern San Bernardino County. Its range encompasses the Sonoran Desert from Arizona into Mexico, and the Baja Peninsula. The peninsular distribution includes some of the Mexican Pacific islands. Our plants were grown from a population which was acquired by the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden from Cedros Island. Little Cedros Island is usually included in the California Floristic Province, i.e. the portions of the Pacific Coast of North America that enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Desert germander grows as a loose, open mound of long stems with small lance-shaped leaves arranged oppositely. The ornate flowers appear profusely in the spring and then sporadically throughout the year. Provide desert germander with well-draining soil and some protection from the afternoon sun. Occasional water and dead heading will keep the plant looking its best.