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.
San Marcos hibiscus is a Sonoran Desert native that makes a great alternative to tropical hibiscus species, which are notoriously challenging to grow in the desert. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Firecracker bush is a tropical-looking shrub that provides year-round color — vivid red-orange flowers and leaves that change from bright green to copper in the fall. Here’s how to grow … Read more
If you’re looking to grow fruit in the desert, pomegranate should be a top choice. As a Middle Eastern native, it thrives in hot, dry desert gardens. And it also … Read more
Guayacan is a shrub that turns heads when in bloom. Its flowers are violet-blue, a color rarely seen in the desert. But the other notable feature of this stunning plant … Read more
Pink trumpet vine is a sprawling, tropical-looking plant with bubble gum pink flowers. It can be grown as a shrub, vine, or ground cover depending on how it’s pruned and … Read more
Baby sage is a charming evergreen shrub that’s stays compact. It has red flowers that bloom much of the year and attract wildlife of all kinds. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Cleveland sage is an evergreen shrub with whorls of purple flowers that pollinators love. As a native to coastal California, it prefers a Mediterranean climate, but it can be grown … Read more
If you want to attract butterflies into your yard, consider growing woolly butterfly bush. Butterflies are wildly attracted to its dainty flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Creosote is the most abundant plant in the three deserts of the US southwest. It’s rarely grown as a landscape plant, perhaps because it’s so “common”, but this shrub can … Read more
Knife leaf acacia is an attractive evergreen shrub with symmetric rows of triangular leaves that aren’t as dangerous as the name implies. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Red justicia is an unusual native shrub that prefers part shade to sun and needs a moderate amount of water. Your reward for providing it the right conditions will be … Read more
Featherbush is a lacy tree that is lovely and provides dappled shade all year. But with its lime green foliage and delightful puff ball flowers, it really stands out in … Read more