Sacred Datura: Evening Delight
Sacred datura is a perennial ground cover with large white flowers that makes a great addition to any desert-themed garden. But before you plant, be aware that all parts are … 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.
Arizona Poppy: Mid-Summer Treat
Arizona poppy is a cheery wildflower that comes to life with the monsoon rains. They are always a treat to behold mid-summer, since most desert wildflowers bloom in the spring. … Read more
Myoporum: Grass Green Ground Cover
Myoporum is an evergreen ground cover that’s peppered with small white flowers spring through summer. If you miss seeing expanses of green, this plant really is “grass green.” Here’s how … Read more
‘Mediterranean Carpet’: Incomparable Ground Cover
‘Mediterranean carpet’ is an aromatic, evergreen ground cover that’s carpeted with lavender flowers from spring through fall. It makes an excellent alternative to the ubiquitous ground cover lantana, which has … Read more
Mexican Petunia: Resilient Favorite
Mexican petunia is a lovely perennial with willow-like leaves and petunia-like purple flowers. It’s resilient, but can sometimes grow ‘too’ enthusiastically. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Damianita: Diminutive Flowering Shrub
Damianita is a tiny evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that’s virtually smothered in yellow flowers when in bloom. For their size, these plants excel at commanding your attention! Here’s how … Read more
Angelita Daisy: Tiny but Tough
Angelita daisy is a diminutive, grass-like perennial. Its yellow, daisy-like flowers sit atop slender stems. Here’s how to grow and care for this surprisingly hardy native wildflower. Angelita daisy (Tetraneuris … Read more
Bush Morning Glory: Keeps its “Cool”
Bush morning glory is a silvery ground cover that looks cool and fresh, even in desert heat. Here’s how to plant and care for this Mediterranean native. Silver-gray leaves and … Read more
Bulbine: Flexible Garden Gem
Bulbine is a charming, compact plant that has a surprising number of applications in the desert landscape. But for all its attributes, it’s not used as often as it could … Read more
Mexican Evening Primrose: Deceptively Aggressive
Mexican evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that’s blanketed with delicately beautiful pink flowers when in bloom. But be forewarned — it can be deceptively aggressive. Here’s how to … 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
Chocolate Flower: Smells Like Chocolate!
Chocolate flower is an evergreen perennial that has fragrant yellow flowers that smell like chocolate. Here’s how to grow and care for this southwest native wildflower. Chocolate flower (Berlandiera lyrata) … Read more