Sweet Acacia: Love It or Leave It?
Sweet acacia is a tree that people either love or hate. Here’s a look at its various attributes and drawbacks so you can decide for yourself whether this tree sounds … Read more
Deane Alban
Jojoba: Undemanding Native Shrub
Jojoba is an attractive Sonoran Desert shrub that’s nearly maintenance-free. It’s important for wildlife, and its oil has many practical applications. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Sideoats Grama: Compact, Hardy Native Grass
Sideoats grama is an underused ornamental grass that makes a graceful, understated landscape plant. It’s extremely low maintenance and attracts birds and butterflies. Here’s how to grow this native grass. … Read more
What to Plant in Spring (Month by Month)
It’s generally accepted that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But things are different in the desert! While spring is the best time for some landscape plants, … Read more
Tangerine Crossvine: Vibrant Climber
Vivid orange trumpet-shaped flowers and bright green leaves make tangerine crossvine a standout, especially when in full bloom. It’s a cultivar of a plant native to the US southeast, but … Read more
Goodding’s Verbena: Lovely Native Ground Cover
Goodding’s verbena is a perennial ground cover found primarily in Arizona but grows across much of the southwest. It has charming lavender flowers and is tougher than it looks. Here’s … Read more
Mediterranean Fan: A Top Palm for the Desert
Mediterranean fan palm looks tropical but is right at home in the desert southwest. It easily handles our extreme sun, wind, and temperature swings. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Elephant Food: More Than a Potted Plant
Elephant food is a succulent that’s a favorite of — you guessed it! — elephants. It’s usually grown in a container as a houseplant or patio plant, but it can … Read more
Plants to Protect for Extended Winter Beauty
Most desert landscape plants don’t need covering during normal winter cold. But some die back after a freeze unless protected. If you grow any of these plants, consider covering them … Read more
Lilac Vine: Enchanting Winter Flowers
Lilac vine is a lush evergreen vine that bursts into bloom in late winter when little else is blooming. It’s a manageable vine that can also be used as a … Read more
Desert Broom: Maligned Native Shrub
Desert broom is a controversial plant that people love to hate. It’s often mistakenly accused of being invasive and causing allergies. Discover the crucial roles this southwest native plays in … Read more
It’s Cold! Should I Cover My Plants?
When night-time temperatures dip to freezing in the desert southwest, you might be wondering which, if any, of your landscape plants you should cover. Here’s a look at which plants … Read more