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
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.
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
‘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
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