Expert: Greg Simpson - 10/24/2007

Question
I am looking into adding some ocotillos into the landscaping at my home.  One of the biggest problems I have with landscaping is finding plants that are both drought tolerant and can also survive freezing weather during the winter.  Several ocotillo plants grow in surrounding areas where I live but I have never seen them at the elevation where my home is located.
I live at approximately 4000 feet and winters can get as low as 10 degrees below freezing during the winter.  Could an ocotillo survive such cold winters?

Answer
Joseph,

What I can find says yes, as long as you mean 22 degrees (which is 10 degrees below freezing). If you mean 10 below zero, then no. Here is a link that nay help:

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Fouquieriaceae/Fouquieria_splendens.html

Sincerely,

Greg