‘Orange Jubilee’: Festive Yellow Bells Hybrid
‘Orange Jubilee’ is a large shrub with clusters of orange trumpet-shaped flowers that’s as festive as its name implies. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … 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.
Twisted Myrtle: Striking Twist on a Legend
Twisted myrtle is a unique evergreen shrub with a bevy of attractive features. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this “twist” on a legendary Mediterranean … Read more
Bougainvillea: Vibrant, Non-Stop Color
Bougainvillea blooms so prolifically that it’s been called a “flower machine”. There are hundreds of cultivars and hybrids available in every imaginable color and size, from small to enormous. Here’s … Read more
Little Leaf Ash: Lovely, Low Litter Tree
Little leaf ash is a small, airy tree or shrub that provides a pop of green to desert gardens. It’s also appreciated for being low litter. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Flame Acanthus: Red-Hot Hummingbird Shrub
Flame acanthus is a delightful, colorful shrub that isn’t as well-known as similar-looking shrubs, but it’s worth seeking out. Its orange-red flowers make it wildly attractive to hummingbirds. Here’s everything … Read more
Screwbean Mesquite: Distinctive Native
Screwbean mesquite is a native mesquite that can be grown as either a large shrub or small tree. It’s easily recognized by its distinctive spiral seed pods and is one … Read more
The Best Hummingbird Plants for Desert Gardens
Looking to entice more hummingbirds into your desert garden? Turn your yard into a “hummer haven” by planting flowering shrubs, perennials, vines, trees, and succulents that our beloved feathered friends … Read more
Little Ollie: Fruitless Dwarf Olive
‘Little Ollie’ is an attractive evergreen shrub that has silvery-green leaves but no flowers or olives, making it non-allergenic and nearly litter-free. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Bee Brush: Aromatic Pollinator Magnet
Bee brush is a lacy shrub with aromatic flowers that smell like vanilla and attract bees and butterflies like crazy. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this Chihuahuan … Read more
Slim Bottlebrush: Unique Columnar Form
Slim bottlebrush has typical bottlebrush leaves and red flowers, but grows tall and narrow, making it an excellent option for small spaces. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Trailing Indigo Bush: Tough Desert Ground Cover
Trailing indigo bush may look delicate, but is considered one of the toughest ground covers you can grow in desert landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about this Chihuahuan … Read more
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