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.
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 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 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, shade-loving South … Read more
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 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 gorgeous Sonoran Desert … Read more
Firecracker penstemon is a perennial wildflower that grows throughout much of the Western US. When in bloom, its vivid firecracker red flowers are eye-catchers. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
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
‘New Gold’ lantana is a desert-adapted ground cover that bursts with yellow-gold flowers all summer long. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this low-maintenance … Read more