Bunny Ears Cactus: Cute But Not Cuddly
With a name like “bunny ears” and its polka dot appearance, this cactus looks relatively harmless, but is deceptively hazardous. Here’s everything you need to know about this native Mexican … Read more
Heavenly Bamboo: Four Seasons of Color
Heavenly bamboo is a bamboo look-alike that is often grown for the year-round interest it provides. But be forewarned that it often struggles in desert gardens and is toxic to … Read more
12 Reasons Desert Plants Die (& Prevention Tips)
Every gardener loses plants — it’s an inevitable part of gardening. Each loss can teach you to become a better gardener, provided you understand what went wrong. Here’s a look … Read more
Palmer’s Penstemon: Standout Wildflower
Attractive blue-green rosettes and 5 foot tall flower spikes make Palmer’s penstemon a standout. This perennial has many attributes, but is not commonly grown. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Queen Victoria Agave: Exquisite Accent Plant
Queen Victoria agave is widely considered one of the most attractive agaves — one that’s truly “fit for a queen”. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking … Read more
Bottle Tree: Straight & Narrow
Bottle tree is a unique tree that you can identify by simply looking at its trunk. Unlike most desert trees, it grows bean-pole straight and narrow. Here’s how to plant … Read more
San Marcos Hibiscus: No-Fuss, Native Alternative
San Marcos hibiscus is a Sonoran Desert native that makes a great alternative to tropical hibiscus species, which are notoriously challenging to grow in the desert. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Creeping Fig: Clinging Vine for Shade
Creeping fig is different than most vines grown in the desert. It seldom flowers, prefers shade, and clings to almost any structure without support. It’s not an “all-purpose” desert vine … Read more
What to Plant in the Fall (Month by Month)
It’s generally been accepted that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But recently, the experts are “warming up” to the idea that fall is the best time … Read more
Parry’s Agave: Silver Leaves, Sharp Spines
Parry’s agave is a beautifully symmetrical agave with silver leaves that make it an eye-catching landscape plant. (But beware of the wicked thorns!) Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
Blue Palo Verde: Unmistakable Sign of Spring
Blue palo verde is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree with green bark. You know that spring has arrived when these trees put on their display of sunny yellow flowers. Here’s everything … Read more
Purple Muhly: Graceful Native Grass
Purple muhly is an ornamental grass related to the more common pink muhly. While not showy, it is lovely in an understated way and deserves a place in desert gardens. … Read more