Mt. Lemmon Marigold: Sunny Fall Flowers
Mt. Lemmon marigold is a large, airy perennial that has yellow daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves. It blooms most prolifically in the fall, when many other desert flowers are fading. … 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.
Gaura: Graceful Delight
Gaura is an evergreen perennial with delicately beautiful flowers. It’s native to hot, humid southern US states, but can thrive in desert gardens, with a little extra care. Here’s how … Read more
Palmer’s Penstemon: Standout Wildflower
Attractive blue-green rosettes and 5 foot tall flower spikes make Palmer’s penstemon a standout. This perennial has many attributes, but is not commonly grown as a landscape plant. Here’s everything … Read more
Wild Sunflower: “Rock Star” Native Annual
Wild sunflower is much more than a pretty annual wildflower grown as a desert landscape plant. It’s not an exaggeration to say this useful, adaptable plant has conquered the world. … Read more
Lantana: Array of Colorful Options
Lantana is a desert-adapted shrubby ground cover that’s carpeted with charming multicolored flowers from spring through fall. It’s one of the most popular desert landscape plants for good reason, but … Read more
Yellow Dot: Shade-Loving Emerald Carpet
Yellow dot is an emerald green ground cover that can be grown in desert shade. When in bloom, it pops with a scattering of daisy-like flowers. Here’s everything you need … Read more
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
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 in mid-summer, since most desert wildflowers bloom in the … Read more
Myoporum: Grass Green Ground Cover
Myoporum is an evergreen ground cover that’s peppered with small white flowers from spring through summer. If you miss seeing expanses of green, this plant really is “grass green.” Here’s … 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