Lantana Gall Mites: Signs, Treatment, & Prevention
Lantana gall mites are microscopic pests found exclusively on lantanas. They cause growths that look like mutant broccoli. Learn what to do (and not do) if your lantanas are infected, … Read more
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.
Spotted Spurge: A Scourge in Desert Gardens
Spotted spurge is a common, inconspicuous weed that loves the desert sun and heat. It may look innocuous, but it can cause big headaches. Learn why spurge is a scourge … Read more
Why Isn’t My Bougainvillea Blooming?
When covered with brilliant flowers, bougainvilleas are a sight to behold! So when they fail to bloom, it can be disappointing. Learn why bougainvilleas stop flowering, when it’s a problem … Read more
Why Isn’t My Texas Ranger Flowering?
Texas rangers are extremely popular desert landscape shrubs. When they burst forth in flowers, they are spectacular! But when they fail to bloom, it’s disappointing. Learn why they don’t bloom … Read more
Got Mushrooms? What They Mean (& What To Do)
Mushrooms are a weird and wonderful phenomenon that suddenly appear after rain. If you see them pop up in your yard, you may wonder, “Is their presence good or bad? … Read more
How Desert Wind is Tough on Plants (& what you can do)
It’s hot, dry, and windy in the desert Southwest, and wind can be surprisingly detrimental to plants in both obvious and hidden ways. Here are the ways wind is tough … Read more
Low Litter Trees for Desert Gardens
Looking to add more shade to your desert garden but are daunted by the potential mess? Enjoy your garden more and stress less with this assortment of trees that thrive … Read more
What Desert Plants Are Making You Sneeze?
If you live in the desert southwest and suffer from seasonal allergies, you may be blaming the wrong plants for your misery. Learn which plants are most likely to cause … Read more
5 Reasons to Skip Neem Oil (& what to use instead)
Neem oil is a natural, versatile insecticide that breaks down fast in the environment and can treat many common insect pests. But it has some big drawbacks, too, including issues … Read more
Is the White Fuzz on Your Cactus Cochineal?
Cochineal scale is an insect pest found almost exclusively on prickly pear cactus. It’s not usually serious, but it can disfigure and weaken your plant. Discover how to identify cochineal, … Read more
Desert Clay Soil: Unique Problems & Solutions
Growing plants in the desert is already challenging, and growing them in clay soil can make it even more difficult. Learn how to tell if your soil is clay, the … Read more
Aloe Mites: Signs, Treatments, & Prevention
Aloe mites are a microscopic pest found almost exclusively on aloes. They rarely kill a plant, but they can make it look weird and distorted. Learn the symptoms, what to … Read more