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.
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 Arizona native shrub that prefers part shade to sun and needs a moderate amount of water. Your reward for providing it with the right conditions … Read more
Featherbush is a lovely, lacy tree that provides dappled shade all year. With its lime green foliage and delightful puffball flowers, it really stands out in the spring. Here’s everything … Read more
If you’re looking for a shrub that provides food for you, birds, and butterflies, you won’t find a better plant than wolfberry. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Superstition mallow is a lovely desert shrub that is underutilized as a landscape plant. It looks beautiful all year and thrives on neglect. Here’s everything you need to know about … Read more
‘Little Lynn’ is unique among the Texas rangers. It stays compact, requires little-to-no pruning, and blooms prolifically throughout the summer, regardless of rain or humidity. Here’s everything you need to … Read more
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 overall look dramatically changes with the … 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