Formosa firethorn

Antelope bitterbrush should be watered 1-2 inches per week in the summer months. Water should be applied deeply and slowly and should be done in the early to mid morning hours when the temperatures are cooler. Irrigation should aim for moistening the soil to a depth of 12" or more. Watering in the late evening can encourage infections, so it is best to avoid watering late in the evening. At the same time, infrequent deep waterings are better than frequent shallow waterings. Appropriate waterings done during times of drought are essential for sustaining the health of this plant species.

Antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) does best in a sunny location, receiving 6-8 hours of full sun throughout the day in order to thrive. This plant prefers direct and strong sunlight, preferably from mid-day until early afternoon, so that it can get the most intense light during the warmer parts of the day. Shade should be avoided as it will cause slower growth, reduced flowering, and overall plant health decline. Antelope bitterbrush should be planted in an area of your landscape that offers consistent southern or western exposure to ensure optimal sunlight exposure.

Antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) should be pruned in early to mid-spring, when the plant is just beginning to show signs of life. Pruning should be relatively light, focusing on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. If pruning for height, it is best to remove no more than a third of the live branches at any given time. If pruning to reduce or redirect growth, smaller branches can be gently pulled away rather than cut off. Pruning should be done with sharp clean equipment - improper pruning can leave the plant vulnerable to disease, pests, and damage.