Madagascar Periwinkle: Top Container Annual
Madagascar periwinkle is a star-performing container plant available in a rainbow of colors. Here’s how to grow this heat-loving annual in the desert. If you love flowers, but find that … 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.
Blackfoot Daisy: Dainty But Tough
Blackfoot daisy is a perennial ground cover that, for much of the year, is smothered in adorable daisy-like flowers. This small plant is much tougher than it looks. Here’s how … Read more
The Easy Way to Grow Desert Wildflowers
If you’ve ever seen a field of desert wildflowers and wish you could capture that beauty in your garden, you can. And it could hardly be easier. Here’s how. Every … Read more
Desert Marigold: Cheerful Nonstop Blooms
Desert marigold may be the perfect wildflower for hot, dry gardens. It’s carefree and blooms all year long with virtually no maintenance. Here’s how to grow and care for this … Read more
‘Dallas Red’ Lantana: Red-Hot Ground Cover
‘Dallas Red’ lantana is a desert-adapted ground cover that’s carpeted with fiery red flowers all summer long. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this … Read more
Jerusalem Sage: Resilient Mediterranean Perennial
Jerusalem sage is an attractive, shrubby perennial with fuzzy green-gray leaves and whorls of yellow flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Mediterranean native. … Read more
Desert Milkweed: Native Butterfly Magnet
Desert milkweed is an attractive, succulent-looking native perennial that’s an important host plant for butterflies. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this southwest desert … Read more
Baby Sun Rose: Shade-Loving Charmer
Baby sun rose is an evergreen ground cover with an abundance of cheerful red flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this delightful South African … Read more
Desert Bluebells: Dazzling Native Wildflower
Desert bluebell is an unmistakable, vivid blue wildflower. Once established in your garden, this eye-catching annual will come back year after year. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Parry’s Penstemon: Harbinger of Spring
Parry’s penstemon is a tall, pink knockout of a wildflower that reliably blooms every spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this Sonoran Desert native. … Read more
Firecracker Penstemon: Vibrant Nonstop Blooms
Firecracker penstemon is a perennial wildflower that has vivid orange-red blooms throughout the year. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this widespread native plant. Firecracker … Read more
Arizona Milkweed: Riparian Butterfly Magnet
Arizona milkweed is an attractive, native perennial with fern-like leaves that’s an important host plant for queen and monarch butterflies. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking … Read more