Honey mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around honey mesquite and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer, pale yellow flowers in clusters
- Mature size
- 8 to 15 m in height, 6 to 10 m in spread
- Growth rate
- Rapid in warm, dry climates
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, tolerance down to approximately -5 °C
- Origin
- North and Central America (deserts and semi-arid zones)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor and chalky soils
Care
Exposure
Plant your mesquite in full sun, where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It thrives in hot, sunny locations. Partial shade is tolerated but slows growth and reduces flowering.
Watering
Once established, mesquite is very drought-tolerant and requires little water. During the first year, water regularly to encourage root development. Afterwards, occasional watering during prolonged dry periods is sufficient; excess water can cause rot.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-drained, light soil, relatively poor in organic matter. Mesquite adapts to chalky, saline, and even rocky soils. Perfect drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, especially in humid zones.
Fertiliser
Mesquite is undemanding in nutrients and thrives on poor soils. Annual application of balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient for ornamental specimens. In natural climates, no fertilising is needed.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly to shape the silhouette and remove dead or crossing branches. Mesquite tolerates pruning well but develops naturally into an elegant form. Intervene in late winter before growth resumes.
Diseases and pests
In dry climates, mesquite is very resistant. In humid zones, watch for root rot and leaf fungi. Good air circulation and impeccable drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Mesquite has sustained desert civilisations for millennia: its long, sweet pods served as a major food source for Native American peoples. Moreover, its extremely hard and aromatic wood, which burns for a long time, remains highly prized in barbecuing and smoking to impart characteristic flavour to food.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.