Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is an unusual looking plant native to the Desert Southwest that has evolved an amazing adaptation to thrive in a hot arid environment.
Ocotillo is drought deciduous, it grows its leaves with the rain during those rare desert storms within 24 hours. Most of a plants water is lost through its leaves, so when an ocotillo goes dormant between rains it will lose its leaves. It can cycle through this up to five times a year. You can see how many growth spurts it has had by looking at its stems a line will divide each section of growth along the stem.
During drought it may not leaf or grow, but it will always flower. That way a new generation of Ocotillo will have the chance to germinate and produce new plants. Ocotillo has several pollinators including hummingbirds – many of which time their migration to the blooming of Ocotillo flowers.
Ocotillo in full bloom in natural hillside setting.
Ocotillo living fencing is a unique design element here in the Desert Southwest, where its rustic appearance accentuates our landscape space and style. Each panel is approximately 6 feet tall by 4.5 to 5 feet wide. Because they’re hand-made, there’s some variation in the exact length of each panel. In addition, panels can be slightly stretched (putting a bit more distance between each cane), so how they are installed can affect how much distance is covered.
Installation is easy and can be done several ways. Dig a trench along the fence line that is at least 6 inches deep. Install 6-foot t-posts every couple feet along the fence line to secure the panels in place, and attach the panels to the t-posts with strong wire. Some canes in the panel may be alive, and there’s a chance that sporadic live canes will take root and grow again. Many of the canes in our Ocotillo panels are not alive, and they won’t ever grow. Even when they’re not alive, the canes are very strong and sturdy, and they will remain so for many years. Occasionally, a live cane will sprout some side-branches that can be trimmed away or left in place.
Close-up of living fence.
Natural living Ocotillo fence panels in desert landscape setting.
Ocotillo fence panels rolls are 4 1/2 to 5 feet in length about 6 feet tall and wire tied on top and bottom ready to install.
