Valentine Bush and a Box of Chocolates

Will I receive my box of See's chocolates early this year? According to my front garden reminder, I will! Eremofila maculata valentine or Valentine bush has burst into full bloom, at least one month earlier than expected. In fact...

Everything in this desert is about one month ahead of schedule. I asked Patty Torres of the Torres Nursery what she thought caused the early bloom. She attributed it to the earlier generous rainfall and the recent warming we have experienced here in Borrego.

The past week has been unbelievably spring-like. Brittle bush is blooming, wildflowers are showing early growth, our ocotillos are flowering, my Anna apple tree has stopped losing leaves...everywhere, I see signs that the garden is ahead of itself! Heeding these clues, I set out some bean and corn seeds in my growing flats. We'll see if THAT works!

We planted our Valentine's bush about four years ago to have winter color inside the entrance area. This is an extremely drought tolerant plant, withstands very low temperatures and likes full sun. During full bloom, you can barely see the leaves.
Grows to about five feet, if you let it. I cut mine back after each bloom and love to do this job since I like the clean fragrance of the plant stems and leaves.

If you want that special person to remember Valentine's Day, THIS is the plant for you!