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
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.
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
Mexican Honeysuckle: “Goldilocks” Plant
Mexican honeysuckle is a popular desert shrub that, unfortunately, often struggles to look its best. Here’s how to find the perfect “Goldilocks Zone” for this colorful hummingbird magnet. In spite … 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 is rarely used as a landscape plant. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Texas Mountain Laurel: Distinctive Desert Beauty
Texas mountain laurel is a unique evergreen tree with wisteria-like flowers that smell like grape soda. Here’s how to plant and care for this Chihuahuan Desert native. Texas mountain laurel … 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
18 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