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.
Lemon bottlebrush is an exceptionally beautiful plant that positively drips with distinctive red flowers shaped like bottlebrushes. It can be grown in the desert southwest, but it’s not ideally suited. … Read more
If you want to attract hummingbirds into your yard, chuparosa is a “must have” shrub to consider. It’s so good at attracting hummingbirds that its name means “hummingbird” in Spanish. … Read more
Ocotillo is a stunning specimen plant that’s uniquely suited to survive harsh desert conditions. It’s a beautiful hummingbird magnet when in bloom, but its attractiveness changes with the weather. Here’s … Read more
Leatherleaf acacia is an attractive, gray-green shrub that is often trained to grow as a small tree. It’s as tough as its name implies. Here’s how to plant and care … Read more
If you’d love to plant a pomegranate, but don’t have room for a standard-size one, dwarf pomegranate may be what you’re looking for. But grow this plant because it’s beautiful, … Read more
Arizona rosewood is a large evergreen shrub that’s one of the toughest landscape shrubs you can plant. It makes a great alternative to oleander, which is starting to go out … Read more
Mexican petunia is a lovely perennial with willow-like leaves and petunia-like purple flowers. It’s resilient, but can sometimes grow ‘too’ enthusiastically. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Easter egg emu is a unique evergreen shrub that, when in bloom, will make you look twice at its rainbow assortment of flower colors. Here’s how to plant and care … Read more
Lady Banks rose is definitely not your average cultivated rose bush. Also known as Tombstone rose, it thrives in the desert and isn’t prone to the usual rose pests and … Read more
Damianita is a tiny evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that’s virtually smothered in yellow flowers when in bloom. For their size, these plants excel at commanding your attention! Here’s how … Read more
If you’d love a shrub that looks like an azalea but doesn’t mind our hot, dry weather and alkaline desert soil, Indian hawthorne may be what you’re looking for. Here’s … Read more
Skyflower is a delicately beautiful shrub that will grow in the desert, provided it’s planted in the right place and gets the right care. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more