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.
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 is a silvery ground cover that always looks cool and fresh, even in desert heat. Here’s how to plant and care for this Mediterranean native. Silver-gray leaves … Read more
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 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 is a perennial ground cover found primarily in Arizona, but it grows across much of the Southwest. It has charming lavender flowers and is tougher than it looks. … Read more
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
Coral fountain is an aptly named cascading perennial that’s truly sensational when in full bloom. It looks straight out of the tropics, yet it does surprisingly well in desert landscapes. … Read more
Trailing lantana is an evergreen ground cover that’s blanketed with lavender flowers from spring through winter’s first freeze. In mild winters, it will bloom nonstop all year. Here’s how to … Read more
Gregg’s mist is a captivating, native perennial with bright green foliage and fuzzy blue flowers that butterflies can’t resist! Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of this … Read more
‘Outback Sunrise’ emu is an evergreen ground cover that’s blanketed with tubular yellow flowers in the spring. Here’s how to plant and care for this extremely low-maintenance cultivar of an … Read more
Blanket flower is a festive hybrid perennial that blooms much of the year in hot, dry gardens. Here’s how to grow and care for this cross between two native wildflowers. … Read more
Vinca, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a star-performing annual usually grown in containers. It’s widely considered the #1 heat-loving flower for summer color. Here’s how to grow it in … Read more