Growing Unicorn Plants: The Quirky Beauty of Proboscidea
If you’re looking to add a conversation starter to your garden, the unicorn plant (Proboscidea) might just be your new favorite oddity. This fascinating plant gets its whimsical name from its distinctive seed pods that curve into horn-like shapes, creating natural sculptures that look like they belong in a fairy tale.
What Makes Unicorn Plants Special
Unicorn plants are forbs – essentially non-woody flowering plants that put all their energy into producing those amazing blooms and bizarre seed pods. These annuals (though sometimes perennial in warmer climates) create quite the spectacle with their trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white, followed by those iconic curved pods that give the plant its magical name.
Where Unicorn Plants Call Home
Originally native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, unicorn plants have spread their whimsical charm across much of North America. You can find them growing in states from Alabama to Wyoming, and they’ve even made their way into parts of Canada as introduced species. While they’re considered non-native in Canadian provinces like Ontario and Saskatchewan, they’ve established themselves quite well in these areas.
Should You Grow Unicorn Plants?
Here’s the scoop on whether unicorn plants deserve a spot in your garden:
The Pros:
- Incredibly unique seed pods perfect for dried flower arrangements
- Low-maintenance once established
- Drought-tolerant and perfect for water-wise gardens
- Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators
- Great conversation piece and Instagram-worthy plant
The Considerations:
- Can be aggressive self-seeders if conditions are right
- Seeds can be difficult to find in some areas
- May not survive harsh winters in colder climates
- For Canadian gardeners, consider exploring native alternatives that provide similar ecological benefits
Perfect Garden Spots for Your Unicorn Plant
Unicorn plants thrive in xerophytic (dry) gardens and desert-style landscapes where their drought tolerance really shines. They’re also fantastic additions to cottage gardens where their quirky charm fits right in with other unusual plants. If you’re creating a curiosity garden or want something unique for dried arrangements, these plants are absolute winners.
Growing Your Own Magic: Planting and Care
Growing unicorn plants is surprisingly straightforward – they’re not nearly as high-maintenance as their magical appearance might suggest.
Getting Started:
- Plant in full sun for best flower and pod production
- Ensure well-draining soil – these plants hate wet feet
- Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost
- Space plants about 2-3 feet apart as they can spread
Ongoing Care:
- Water sparingly once established – drought tolerance is their superpower
- No fertilizer needed in most soils
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, or leave them to develop into those famous pods
- Harvest pods when they’re fully mature and starting to dry for best results
Climate Considerations
While unicorn plants are typically grown as annuals in most areas, they can act as perennials in USDA zones 9-11 where winters are mild. In colder climates, treat them as fun annual additions that you can replant each year from saved seeds.
Supporting Garden Wildlife
Despite their otherworldly appearance, unicorn plants are quite beneficial to garden ecosystems. Their trumpet-shaped flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them both beautiful and functional additions to pollinator gardens.
The Bottom Line
Unicorn plants offer a perfect blend of low-maintenance growing and high-impact visual appeal. Whether you’re drawn to their unique aesthetic, their drought tolerance, or simply want to grow something that will make your neighbors do a double-take, Proboscidea delivers. Just remember to collect those amazing seed pods before the weather turns – they make fantastic additions to dried arrangements and are sure to spark conversations about your gardening adventures.
For gardeners in areas where unicorn plants aren’t native, consider researching indigenous alternatives that might provide similar visual interest while supporting local ecosystems. But if you do decide to grow these magical plants, you’re in for a treat that combines easy care with extraordinary results.
