Goldenball Leadtree: Puffball Flowers
Goldenball leadtree is a small deciduous tree with bright green foliage and golden yellow puffball flowers. It may look like it belongs in the tropics, but it’s a tough Chihuahuan … 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.
Desert Hackberry: For Birds & Butterflies
If you’re looking for a shrub to attract and support birds and butterflies, you won’t find a better plant than desert hackberry. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Arabian Lilac: Potpourri of Purple
Arabian lilac is a large, deciduous shrub that has striking two-tone leaves of green and purple, along with purple flowers and stems. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
‘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
Twisted Myrtle: Striking Twist on a Legend
Twisted myrtle is a unique evergreen shrub with a bevy of attractive features — spiraling stems, starlike white flowers, and a gnarly, architecturally interesting form. Here’s everything you need to … 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