Robinia neomexicana
Robinia neomexicana · Fabaceae
📷 JerryFriedman · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around robinia neomexicana and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- Spring (April-May), pale pink to lilac flowers
- Mature size
- 20 to 33 feet tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Good (-4 to -4°F)
- Origin
- Southwestern United States (New Mexico, Arizona)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, tolerates poor and dry soils
Care
Exposure and climate
Plant your New Mexico locust in full sun for generous blooming. It handles hot, dry regions very well and tolerates salt spray in coastal climates. Avoid very humid areas or dense shade.
Soil and drainage
This species is undemanding and thrives in well-draining soils, even poor or chalky ones. It adapts well to dry, rocky terrain. Poor winter drainage can cause root rot; a slight slope for water runoff is preferable.
Watering
Once established (after 1-2 years), the locust needs little water. Water regularly during the first year to encourage root development. After that, just provide occasional watering during prolonged dry spells or for young plants.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a balanced shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Since this species tolerates pruning well, you can balance it before spring bud break if needed.
Fertilizing
Not heavy-feeding, the locust benefits from light fertilization in spring during its first year. After that, an annual application of balanced fertilizer at bud break is sufficient. Robinia species, being legumes, fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Pests and diseases
Generally robust and rarely affected by common pests in temperate regions. Monitor excessive winter moisture to prevent root rot. Good air circulation reduces fungal risks.
Did you know?
The Robinia genus was named to honor Jean Robin, a 16th-century French botanist and creator of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. The New Mexico locust, less known than its cousin the black locust, blooms in delicate pink-lilac flowers and represents the remarkable adaptation of legume trees to the arid regions of the American Southwest.
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.