Skyflower: Versatile, Delicate Beauty
Skyflower is a versatile plant that can be grown as a shrub or a vine. It’s a delicate beauty that will grow in the desert provided it’s planted in the … 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.
Blue Bells Emu: Compact Texas Ranger Alternative
If you’d love a shrub that looks like a Texas ranger but stays compact without pruning and blooms nearly year-round, consider blue bells emu, an Australian native that looks much … Read more
Baja Spurge: “Cherry Blossom” Succulent
Baja spurge is a delicate-looking shrubby succulent that’s desert-tough. When in bloom, it has fragrant flowers that look like small cherry blossoms! Here’s how to plant and care for this … Read more
Jojoba: Undemanding Native Shrub
Jojoba is an attractive Sonoran Desert shrub that’s nearly maintenance-free. It’s important for wildlife, and its oil has many practical applications. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Desert Broom: Maligned Native Shrub
Desert broom is a controversial plant that people love to hate. It’s often mistakenly accused of being invasive and causing allergies. Discover the crucial roles this southwest native plays in … Read more
Mexican Honeysuckle: “Goldilocks” Plant
Mexican honeysuckle is a popular desert shrub with brilliant orange flowers that, unfortunately, often struggles to look its best. Here’s how to find the perfect “Goldilocks Zone” for this colorful … Read more
Brittlebush: Iconic Desert Shrub
Brittlebush is an iconic desert shrub that’s practically foolproof, even in the most difficult spots in the garden, yet it’s rarely used as a landscape plant. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Autumn Sage: Colorful Compact Shrub
Autumn sage is a delightful compact evergreen shrub with red flowers that bloom most of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this … Read more
16 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Reflected Heat
The toughest spot for growing plants in a desert garden is near a heat-reflecting wall. Here are 16 shrubs that not only thrive in reflected heat but reward you with … Read more
Yellow Bells: Colorful Standout Shrub
Yellow bells is an eye-catching desert shrub that looks like it belongs in the tropics, but is a southwest desert native. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and … Read more
Cape Honeysuckle: Versatile Yearlong Bloomer
Cape honeysuckle is a sprawling plant that can easily be grown as either a shrub or a vine. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Little Leaf Cordia: Airy, Informal Desert Native
Little leaf cordia is an extremely hardy, sprawling shrub that’s adorned with snow-white flowers spring through fall. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this desert … Read more