Invasive Desert Landscape Plants (Do Not Grow!)
Anyone who has lived in the southwest for some time has heard about invasive plant species such as buffelgrass and stinknet. But there are several landscape plants, including some extremely … Read more
Desert Pests & Problems
Sometimes, in spite of the best care, desert landscape plants can be beset with insect pests, plant diseases, hungry critters, and other problems. Here at Southwest Gardener you’ll find in-depth information on keeping your plants healthy, beautiful, and pest free.
Why Desert Plants Get Iron Chlorosis (& what to do)
If your desert landscape plant has yellow leaves, it may have a deficiency called iron chlorosis. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments here. If you have a plant with … Read more
Why Dish “Soap” is Bad for Your Plants
There are a lot of DIY remedies for eliminating insect pests on plants, and one of the most common is spraying with a solution of dish washing liquid. Does dish … Read more
Does Desert Mistletoe Kill Trees? (You May Be Surprised)
Desert mistletoe is a natural part of the desert ecosystem. Is it a parasite that kills trees? Or is it less harmful than purported? The truth may surprise you. Most … Read more
Agave Weevil: Little Bug, Big Problem
Agave weevils infest agave crops and landscape plants and are a worldwide problem. Here are the symptoms, treatments, and steps you can take to prevent future infestations. Agaves are iconic … Read more
Are The Weird Growths on Your Plants Witch’s Broom?
If you notice weird, unsightly growths on your desert landscape plants, they might have witch’s broom. What is it and what should you do if you see it on your … Read more
How to Protect Your Trees From Storm Damage
Every monsoon an alarming number of desert trees lose large limbs or are completely uprooted. It can be upsetting to see a beautiful tree meet such a devastating end. Why … Read more
The Problem with Oleanders (& what to plant instead)
Oleander is a popular landscape shrub in the desert southwest. It has many desirable features, but are they enough to offset this plant’s serious drawbacks? Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a … Read more
How to Protect Your Plants From Javelinas
Javelinas’ favorite food is prickly pear cactus, which they consume thorns and all(!), but they also enjoy a wide variety of landscape and garden plants. Here’s how to stop them … Read more
Leafcutter Bees: Garden Friend or Foe?
Do the leaves on your plants have small, perfect circles cut out of them? They’re the amazing work of leafcutter bees. What, if anything, should you do if this happens … Read more
My Agave is Blooming – What Now?
Agaves are iconic plants of the southwest that are symmetrically beautiful and add architectural interest to any spot. Eventually, they send up an impressive, fast-growing flower stalk that can soar … Read more