‘Silver Swirl’: Standout Dusty Miller
‘Silver Swirl’ dusty miller is a silver-leaved perennial with a unique rosette form that always looks cool and fresh, even in extreme desert heat. Here’s how to plant and care … Read more
Desert Flowers
There are many excellent reasons to plant flowers. They make people happy. They add splashes of color that make the garden come alive.
Flowers, especially native ones, are critical for the health of the local ecosystem. Flower nectar and seeds provide food for a wide range of local animals. They attract pollinators — birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects — that keep the chain of life going.
Here at Southwest Gardener you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose and care for flowers — both annuals and perennials — that will thrive in your desert garden.
Pineleaf Milkweed: Native Monarch Magnet
Pineleaf milkweed is an attractive, evergreen perennial with pine-like stems that’s an important host plant for monarch and queen butterflies. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this Sonoran … Read more
Moss Verbena: Lacy Low Ground Cover
With fern-like leaves and bright purple flowers, moss verbena makes a delightful, low-maintenance ground cover. Here’s how to grow and care for this South American native. Moss verbena (Glandularia tenera) … Read more
Mexican Sunflower: Vibrant Summer Annual
Mexican sunflower is a large, shrub-like annual with eye-popping, red-orange flowers that pollinators can’t resist. It’s easy to grow from seed and makes a delightful addition to desert gardens. Here’s … Read more
Rock Penstemon: Not the Usual Penstemon
If you’re looking for something a little different from the more commonly grown penstemons, consider rock penstemon. This lovely wildflower is unusual in a number of ways. Here’s everything you … Read more
Sandpaper Verbena: Vivid Ground Cover
With deep green leaves and brilliant purple flowers, sandpaper verbena makes an eye-catching ground cover. Here’s how to grow and care for this South American native. Sandpaper verbena (Verbena rigida) … Read more
Tufted Evening Primrose: Pretty but Tough
Tufted evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that bursts forth with large, fragrant white-to-pink flowers when in bloom. It’s unusually pretty for a plant so tough. Here’s how to … Read more
Paperflower: Cheerful, Carefree Wildflower
Paperflower is a charming, sunny-yellow wildflower that blooms much of the year with almost no care. Here’s how to grow this native of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. Paperflower (Psilostrophe … Read more
Rocky Point Ice Plant: Sparkly Ground Cover
Rocky Point ice plant is a succulent, evergreen ground cover. When in bloom, it’s dotted with shimmery, daisy-like flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this delightful South … Read more
Desert Senna: Wildflower for Wildlife
Desert senna is an excellent wildflower for attracting and supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. It’s carefree and blooms much of the year with virtually no maintenance. Here’s how … Read more
23 Desert Plants for Winter Color
Looking to add color to your desert garden that extends into winter? Look no further than these plants that have either colorful flowers or leaves in the winter. You’ll find … Read more
The ‘Ins & Outs’ of Growing Poinsettias
With the right care, you can prolong the life of a poinsettia well beyond the holidays. In the desert southwest, you can grow it outside as a patio plant. You … Read more