When does Mirabilis laevis bloom?

Desert Wishbone-bush blooms from April through August, producing fragrant white or pale pink tubular flowers that open in the evening.

What pollinators visit Mirabilis laevis?

This native shrub attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its evening-blooming flowers that release a sweet fragrance at dusk.

Where is Mirabilis laevis native?

Desert Wishbone-bush is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, typically growing in desert washes and rocky slopes.

How much water does Mirabilis laevis need?

This drought-adapted shrub requires very little water once established and thrives in low-water desert conditions with infrequent irrigation.

Is Desert Wishbone-bush HOA-friendly?

Desert Wishbone-bush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Desert Wishbone-bush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mirabilis laevis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Mirabilis laevis is a drought-tolerant desert shrub native to Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah that blooms from April through August with fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators.

Desert Wishbone-bush (Mirabilis laevis) — Photo: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

Desert wishbone-bush is a compact native shrub that produces small tubular flowers from spring through summer. It goes dormant in winter, losing its leaves but maintaining an attractive branching structure. This low-water plant thrives in full sun and provides long-lasting color during the growing season.

Growing Desert Wishbone-bush

Grow Desert Wishbone-bush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Desert Wishbone-bush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

Deciduous nature may appear bare in winter
Less formal appearance than typical HOA shrubs

Wildlife value

The extended bloom period from April through August makes this an excellent pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and night-flying moths. Its nectar-rich flowers provide sustained food sources throughout the warm months.

Common questions

When does Mirabilis laevis bloom?: Desert Wishbone-bush blooms from April through August, producing fragrant white or pale pink tubular flowers that open in the evening.
What pollinators visit Mirabilis laevis?: This native shrub attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its evening-blooming flowers that release a sweet fragrance at dusk.
Where is Mirabilis laevis native?: Desert Wishbone-bush is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah, typically growing in desert washes and rocky slopes.
How much water does Mirabilis laevis need?: This drought-adapted shrub requires very little water once established and thrives in low-water desert conditions with infrequent irrigation.
Is Desert Wishbone-bush HOA-friendly?: Desert Wishbone-bush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Desert Wishbone-bush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz