Yellow Oleander: Tropical Fall Bloomer
Yellow oleander is a large evergreen shrub that blooms in late summer through fall when the flowers of many desert shrubs are fading after a long, hot summer. Here’s how … Read more
Desert Shrubs
Shrub is an informal rather than a scientific classification but I like this definition, “If you can walk under it, it’s a tree. If you have to walk around it, it’s a shrub.”
Shrubs form the backbone of any garden. They provide architectural interest and color. You can use them to block views, form a living fence, or attract wildlife.
We are fortunate here to have a tremendous variety of beautiful shrubs that happily grow in hot dry gardens of the desert southwest.
Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose and care for the best shrubs for your desert garden.
Orchid Tree: Deceptively Delicate
Orchid tree is a large shrub or small tree that bursts forth with either white or pink flowers in the spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Black Dalea: Dainty, But Resilient
Black dalea is an airy, delicate-looking shrub that is much tougher than it looks. It’s actually a resilient landscape plant that thrives on neglect. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Desert Lavender: A Great Native Alternative
Lavender is a widely beloved perennial that can be challenging to grow in the desert. If you miss the fragrance of fresh lavender, consider growing desert lavender instead. Here’s how … Read more
Trailing Rosemary: Twist on an Ancient Herb
Trailing rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen ground cover with delicate blue flowers from winter through spring. It’s a prostrate form of the “usual” rosemary, a culinary and healing herb native … Read more
Winter Blaze Emu Bush: Year Round Color
‘Winter blaze’ is a bit of a misnomer for this lovely emu bush, since it blooms much of the year, not just in winter. Here’s how to plant and care … Read more
Pineapple Guava: A Beautiful Challenge
Pineapple guava is a gorgeous plant that has exotic edible flowers and, with the right care, “may” produce edible fruit. It can be grown in the desert, but it’s not … Read more
Feathery Cassia: Sunny Winter Flowers
Feathery cassia is a large evergreen shrub that puts on a showy display of sunny yellow flowers in the winter when not much else is blooming. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Mastic: “Clean” Evergreen Tree or Shrub
Mastic is an evergreen that can be grown as a tree or a large shrub. It is often considered one of the “cleanest” trees you can grow in the desert … Read more
Valentine Emu Bush: Spectacular Winter Display
Valentine emu bush is an evergreen shrub that puts on an eye-catching display of brilliant fuchsia flowers in the winter. Here’s how to plant and care for this low-maintenance Australian … Read more
23 Desert Plants for Winter Color
Looking to add color to your desert garden that extends into winter? Look no further than these plants that have either colorful flowers or leaves in the winter. You’ll find … Read more
‘Torch Glow’: One-of-a-Kind Bougainvillea
‘Torch Glow’ is an eye-catching bougainvillea with magenta “flowers” and an unusual form. It stays relatively compact and grows as an upright shrub, rather than as a large sprawling vine. … Read more