Even in complex environmental conditions and lots of challenges, the Joshua tree can flower and stand bravely in the middle of the desert with its astonishing look.
You can find Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) predominantly in the Mojave desert and the rocky landscapes.
Go through this full article to know everything about the Joshua tree flower and how to make this amazing plant bloom.
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What Does Joshua Tree Flower Look Like?
The flowers from the Joshua tree grow in clusters and have an amazing greenish-white or creamy-white color. Some blooms also have translucent petals.
The clusters appear on the tip of the branches. When you focus on the single flower, you can see the bell or trumpet-shaped blossoms.
Each flower is about 2-3 cm long and has a waxy and smooth texture. The bell-like flower helps to spread the sweet fragrance of the flower effectively.
The coconut-like fragrance becomes stronger at night to trap insects like Yucca moths and other pollinators for pollination.
There are also some rumors about the purple blossoms in Joshua’s tree but it never produces purple blooms. There must be a misunderstanding as there are several desert plants producing purple flowers.
How Often Does Joshua Tree Bloom?
When the Joshua Tree blooms, it appears amazing as the flower clumps brighten the tips of every branch of the Joshua tree.
However, you cannot see the tree blooming every year as it faces a lot of stress due to the environmental conditions. Flowering needs reserved energy.
Thus, the Joshua tree blooms every 2-3 years but this frequency is not exact as some also produce flowers even late, in 5-10 years duration.
Basically, the flower starts its budding stage in early spring. The blooms flourish completely in the spring and continue flowering till late summer.
Each healthy flower in the Joshua tree typically lasts for 24-48 hours. After the flowers fade, the Joshua tree produces small green or reddish brown capsules-like fruits in fall.
The flowering of the Joshua tree also depends upon temperature, weather conditions, nutritional availabilities, tree health, and other external conditions.
Can You Force Joshua Tree Bloom?
Forcing Joshua Tree to bloom is very challenging but not entirely impossible. However, it is better if you let the tree bloom naturally on its own.
If you really want to make mature Joshua Tree blooms, here are some methods. Keep in mind that no methods are entirely successful.
- During the drought, provide the plant with deep watering making the condition like natural spring rainfall.
- Test the soil and provide the nutrients that the soil is lacking to aid blooming.
- Place your Joshua tree in the greenhouses to keep the balance between the temperature and other conditions. It is even easier for Joshua tree bonsai.
Even if you try to force blooming, there are several factors that can go against you like tree age, water availability, sunlight, pathogens, etc.
Moreover, unnatural or forced blooming can also be stressful for the tree, affecting the overall health of the whole Joshua plant. Even if you set everything to force, there is no guarantee that you can enjoy the blossoms.
From Editorial Team
What Kind Of Plant Is Joshua?
Joshua is not actually a tree but a succulent storing water in its thick trunks to survive as a xerophyte.
The tree is famous for its spiky leaves and twisted branches that reach every direction, giving the Joshua tree a unique and outstanding look.
However, due to the inhuman activities and invasive species, the population is gradually decreasing. This is making Joshua a threatened species.
