Blue Mistflower: Swarms of Fall Butterflies
Blue mistflower is a large perennial with bright green foliage and fuzzy blue flowers that butterflies find wildly attractive. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this native of … 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.
Mexican Daisy: Confetti-Like Charmer
Mexican daisy is a charming, evergreen ground cover for hot, dry gardens. It’s covered in a multicolored array of daisy-like flowers much of the year. Here’s how to grow and … Read more
Ice Plant: Carpet of Color
Ice plant is a succulent, evergreen ground cover. When in bloom, shimmery, purple daisy-like flowers are so dense they obscure the foliage. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Popcorn Cassia: Eye-Catching Patio Plant
If you are looking for an unusual potted plant that’s a conversation starter, consider popcorn cassia. While it’s not ideally suited to grow as a desert landscape plant, it makes … Read more
Purple Heart: Surprisingly Resilient Ground Cover
Purple heart is a familiar houseplant that makes a surprisingly resilient ground cover and outdoor patio plant in desert gardens. Here’s how to grow and care for this native of … Read more
Torch Cactus: Incomparable Flowers
If you like flowers that are bold and colorful, torch cactus is a “must have” addition to your desert garden. When in bloom, the flowers warrant the use of superlatives … Read more
Desert Zinnia: Not Your Usual Zinnia
Desert zinnia is a wonderful wildflower for hot, dry gardens. It blooms intermittently throughout the year and requires virtually no maintenance. Here’s how to grow and care for this native … Read more
Mexican Hat: Whimsical, Resilient Perennial
Mexican hat is a whimsical perennial with flowers that look like small sombreros. It’s native to much of North America, including much colder climes, but is resilient enough to thrive … Read more
The Best Hummingbird Plants for Desert Gardens
Looking to entice more hummingbirds into your desert garden? Turn your yard into a “hummer haven” by planting flowering shrubs, perennials, vines, trees, and succulents that our beloved feathered friends … Read more
Maximilian Sunflower: Robust Perennial
Maximilian sunflower is a large, shrub-like perennial with golden daisy-like flowers. It’s easy to grow from seed and is a boon for birds and other wildlife. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Purslane, Portulaca, & Moss Rose: What’s the Difference?
There are three plants commonly grown as annuals that go by the interchangeable common names “purslane”, “portulaca”, and “moss rose” — it can be confusing! Learn the difference between them, … Read more
Ornamental Purslane: Brilliant, Sun-Lover
Ornamental purslane is an eye-popping annual that’s available in a rainbow of colors. These selections don’t exist in nature but are cultivars of common purslane. Here’s how to grow this … Read more