Dwarf Pomegranate: For Dazzling Color
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
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.
Arizona Rosewood: Native Alternative to Oleander
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: Resilient Favorite
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: Amazing Rainbow Shrub
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: No Ordinary Rose
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: Diminutive Flowering Shrub
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
Indian Hawthorne: Azalea Look-Alike
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: Graceful, Weeping Shrub
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
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. This Australian native looks much like … Read more
Baja Spurge: “Cherry Blossom” Succulent
Baja spurge is a delicate-looking shrubby succulent that’s desert-tough. When in bloom, its fragrant flowers look like small cherry blossoms. Here’s how to plant and care for this unique Sonoran … 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