Apache plume
Fallugia paradoxa
Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–6 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Iconic native, white flowers in summer, pink feathery seed plumes through fall.
Colorado nativelow water4–6 ft tall and 4–6 ft wideXeric / water-wisePlant Select®Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Carrie Seltzer, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 4–6 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~6 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Slow
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer, late summer
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week for first summer; minimal irrigation after. Tolerates poor soil.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Apache plume good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Apache plume is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Apache plume?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Apache plume get?
- It matures to about 4–6 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Apache plume?
- Space Apache plume about 6 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Apache plume hardy on the Front Range?
- Apache plume is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Apache plume need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Apache plume grow?
- Apache plume is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Apache plume native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Apache plume deer-resistant?
- Apache plume is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Apache plume a good firewise plant near the house?
- Apache plume is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Apache plume a Plant Select® winner?
- Yes. Apache plume is in Plant Select®, the plant-recommendation program run by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens to highlight plants that thrive in the region.
- How long does Apache plume bloom?
- Apache plume blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
