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
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.
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. But it’s not right for every location. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
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 nearly two dozen shrubs that thrive in reflected heat and 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 actually a Southwest desert native. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Cape Honeysuckle: Versatile Yearlong Bloomer
Cape honeysuckle is a colorful, sprawling plant that can easily be grown as either a shrub or a vine depending on how it’s pruned. Here’s everything you need to know … 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 from spring through fall. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
The Problem with Oleanders (& what to plant instead)
Oleander is a popular landscape shrub in the desert southwest. It has many desirable features, but are they enough to offset this plant’s serious drawbacks? If you’re considering adding oleander … Read more
Desert Bird of Paradise Plants Compared
There are so many popular desert landscape plants that go by the common name “bird of paradise” — it can be confusing! Learn the difference between the various birds of … Read more
‘Heavenly Cloud’: Showy Texas Ranger Hybrid
‘Heavenly Cloud‘ is an extremely hardy desert shrub with show-stopping lavender flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Texas ranger hybrid. ‘Heavenly Cloud’ (Leucophyllum … Read more
Yellow Bird of Paradise: Festive Flowers
Yellow bird of paradise is a resilient, fast growing shrub festooned with clusters of yellow flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this South American … Read more